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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.

Estate of Margaret Allen Kisner

Case Number

25PR00031

Case Type

Decedent's Estate

Hearing Date / Time

Mon, 03/10/2025 - 08:30

Nature of Proceedings

Petition for Probate and Letters Testamentary

Tentative Ruling

Probate Notes:

Appearances required.

The following is noted for the Court at the hearing.

Original Will suspect.  An original will and any codicil to that will must be lodged with the Court. (Prob. Code, §§ 8200, et seq.)  It is insufficient to attach a copy of the will to the petition without lodging the original.

The allegations in the petition request the will be annexed, but claim the proposed executor is named in the will.  This creates confusion in the pleading, because there is no reason to annex the will, unless the will is lost. There is a will that was lodged with the Court on January 21, 2025, but it is suspect whether the will is original or a copy.

If the original is lost, petitioner must amend the Petition to provide an attachment alleging why the presumption of destruction in Probate Code section 6124 should not apply, or provide evidence overcoming the presumption of destruction.

Petitioner may overcome this presumption with substantial evidence that shows the Court some supported fact that the Decedent did not destroy the will.  Petitioner is referred to the following authority to understand the evidence required to overcome the presumption of destruction in Probate Code section 6124:

  • Estate of Trikha (2013) 219 Cal.App.4th 791, 804 [substantial evidence required to overcome presumption]
  • Lauermann v. Superior Court (2005) 127 Cal.App.4th 1327, 1333 [Duplicate Original not usually sufficient]

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