Tentative Ruling: Matter of Stornetta Family Trust

Case Number

26PR00023

Case Type

Hearing Date / Time

Mon, 04/06/2026 - 08:30

Nature of Proceedings

Petition for Internal Affairs

Tentative Ruling

Probate Notes:

Personal Appearances are required. 

On January 16, 2026, a Petition for Internal Affairs of a Trust was filed by three alleged beneficiaries.  On April 30, 2026, an Objection to that petition was filed by Craig L. Stornetta.  The Objection places this matter at issue, requiring evidentiary hearing to resolve. (In re Estate of Lensch (2009) 177 Cal.App.4th 667, 676; Conservatorship of Farrant (2021) 67 Cal.App.5th 370, 377.)

The following must be submitted before the merits of the case can be adjudicated:

             

2001 Trust Instrument.  A copy of all known iterations of the trust, and all accompanying amendments, must be submitted for review, if petitioner has access to them. (Local Rule, 1791(c).)  There is no copy of the original trust (executed in 2001) on file.

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.

Due to staffing limitations, processing times may be delayed. To assist in processing, attorneys and parties should include the next court date in the “Filing Description” field provided by the electronic service provider. That field is also used for further descriptions of the document being e-filed, so be sure to put the calendar date FIRST in the field – BEFORE any further description of the document being e-filed (e.g.: 06/28/16 For XYZ).