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Fraud Alert: Scam Text Messages Claiming DMV Penalties -

We have been made aware of fraudulent text messages being sent to individuals claiming to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the court system. These messages often state that the recipient owes penalties or fees related to traffic violations or DMV infractions and may include a link or phone number to resolve the matter. 

Take these steps to reduce the chances of falling victim to a text message scam:

  • Never respond to unsolicited or suspicious texts — If you receive a message asking for personal or financial information, do not reply.
  • Verify the source — If you are unsure, always contact the DMV through official channels.
  • Call the DMV if you have concerns — The DMV customer service team is available to help you at 800-777-0133.

Please see DMV warning about fraudulent texts: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/news-and-media/dmv-warns-of-fraudulent-te…

Jury Scam alert -

The Santa Barbara Superior Court has received complaints about individuals trying to scam members of the public by pretending to be court officers or officials. The Jury Services office of the Santa Barbara Superior Court does not call citizens to request payments for failing to appear for jury duty. California law does not permit citizens to pay a fine in lieu of jury duty. If you receive such a call simply hang up and, if the scammer persists, call your local law enforcement agency. Learn more about the recent scam warning.

Notice to Jurors:

Prospective jurors summoned for jury service can expect to receive their jury summons in postcard form. Please check your mail for a postcard with important instructions to fulfil your jury service. Visit the Jury Services page for more information.

Matter of Bettencourt Family Trust

Case Number

24PR00720

Case Type

Trust

Hearing Date / Time

Mon, 02/24/2025 - 08:30

Nature of Proceedings

Petition to Appoint Successor Trustee

Tentative Ruling

Probate Notes:

The following must be submitted:

Supplement re: Beneficiaries.  The petition is vague as to the relationship to the settlors and the standing of the following persons:

  • Living child, children, etc.  The Petition fails to identify the children of the settlors, and the trust does not specifically identify any persons as children.  There are only 6 persons named in the trust: Lee and Sarah Bettencourt (settlors), Boyd and Claire Bettencourt (beneficiaries who’s relationship to the settlors is not identified), Eric Caldwell (successor trustee), and Richard Christensen (successor trustee).
  • Benjamin Bettencourt.  Benjamin is not mentioned by name in the trust document, therefore does not appear to be a beneficiary or any person with standing. The supplement should explain how Benjamin has standing, and should specifically address whether the surviving spouse exercised the power of appointment in Article 8 of the trust.  The supplement should contain documentary evidence of the exercise of the power of appointment or explain why such evidence is not available.
  • Claire Bettencourt. Petitioner conspicuously omitted any discussion of Clair Bettencourt from the petition, but Claire is specifically identified as a contingent beneficiary, in equipoise with Boyd Bettencourt, at article 8, subd. F. of the Trust instrument.  Supplement should explain Clair’s relationship to the settlors, and explain in detain why she was omitted from any discussion within the petition, and did not receive service of Notice of the Petition.

Any Respondents desirous to object to the Petition, must file a written objection before the hearing.  The court has authority to require all objectors to file a written objection pursuant CRC, Rule 7.801, or else deem the failure to do so a waiver.

Appearances:

The court is open to the public for court business. The court is also conducting hearings via Zoom videoconference.

Meeting ID: 161 797 5412

Passcode: 8749009

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