INTERNAL MEMORANDUM
TO: [ATTORNEY NAME — STATE BAR NO. ######] FROM: [Paralegal Name], Paralegal DATE: January 15, 2026 RE: In re the Estate of Dolores Mendoza, Deceased — DE-111 Petition Summary; Pre-Filing Checklist Case No.: 30-2026-00123481-PR-PW-CJC (FICTIONAL) Court: Orange County Superior Court — Probate Division
I. PURPOSE
This memo summarizes the key contents of the Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary (Judicial Council Form DE-111) filed on behalf of Petitioner Ana Mendoza on January 20, 2026, and identifies open items that require attorney review or action before the initial probate hearing scheduled for May 20, 2026.
II. DECEDENT INFORMATION
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dolores Maria Mendoza |
| Date of Death | October 31, 2025 |
| Place of Death | Santa Ana, California |
| Age at Death | 79 |
| Domicile | Santa Ana, Orange County, California |
| Will Date | March 12, 2019 |
| Will Location at Death | Safe-deposit box, Wells Fargo, Santa Ana |
| Testate/Intestate | Testate — original will located |
| Codicils | None identified |
III. MARITAL STATUS AND SURVIVING HEIRS
Decedent was widowed (husband predeceased). The following persons are identified in the will or qualify as heirs under the California Probate Code:
| Name | Relationship to Decedent | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ana Mendoza | Daughter | Alive — Santa Ana, CA | Named executor and primary beneficiary |
| Rafael Mendoza | Son | Alive — Philippines | Named recipient of specific personal property bequests (jewelry, family heirlooms) |
| Miguel Reyes | Grandson (minor) | Alive — Santa Ana, CA | Named cash beneficiary ($15,000); GAL appointed |
No other surviving issue, spouse, or registered domestic partner identified. No adopted children or step-children identified in the will or client intake.
IV. PRELIMINARY ASSET SUMMARY
Community Property: N/A — decedent was widowed; no surviving spouse community property interest.
Estimated Gross Estate:
| Asset | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Real Property | Single-family residence, [Fictional Street Address], Santa Ana, CA (APN: [PENDING]) | $720,000 |
| Brokerage Account | Diversified equities, [Fictional Brokerage Name] — Acct. No. ending [XXXX] | $85,000 |
| Motor Vehicle | 2019 Toyota Camry, VIN [PENDING] | $14,000 |
| Household Goods | Furniture, personal effects, jewelry (separate from specific bequests) | $8,500 |
| Checking Account | [Fictional Bank] — Acct. No. ending [XXXX] | $3,200 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED GROSS ESTATE | ~$830,700 |
Note: Real property value is informal estimate based on December 2025 broker opinion. Formal appraisal by court-appointed probate referee required before DE-160 can be finalized.
Known Secured Debt: None. Mortgage on real property fully satisfied as of 2018 per client representation; to be confirmed with title search.
Known Unsecured Claims: None identified. Statutory creditor claim period has not elapsed.
V. PROPOSED PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
Name: Ana Mendoza Relationship: Daughter and named executor in will Bond Requirement: Waived per will — will at Article III states: “I direct that no bond shall be required of my executor.” Attorney for Petitioner: [ATTORNEY NAME — STATE BAR NO. ######]
VI. SPECIAL NOTICE LIST (Probate Code § 1252)
The following persons are proposed to receive special notice of all subsequent filings and hearings:
- Rafael Mendoza — via international certified mail to address in [City], Philippines
- Guardian ad Litem for Miguel Reyes — [GAL Name, to be confirmed after appointment]
- California Department of Health Care Services (Medi-Cal recovery check — standard)
- Franchise Tax Board (standard notice)
VII. OPEN ITEMS — ATTORNEY REVIEW REQUIRED
| # | Item | Responsible | Target Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm probate referee assignment from Orange County Superior Court | Paralegal | ASAP after filing | PENDING |
| 2 | Initiate creditor notification — publish Notice of Petition in Orange County Register (Probate Code § 8120) | Attorney | Within 30 days of filing | IN PROCESS |
| 3 | Serve overseas heir Rafael Mendoza via international certified mail (Probate Code § 1215) | Paralegal | Within 30 days of filing | PENDING |
| 4 | Confirm GAL for minor heir Miguel Reyes — court order received? | Attorney | Pre-hearing | COURT ORDER RECEIVED per 3/5/26 entry |
| 5 | Obtain formal appraisal of real property by court-appointed probate referee | Attorney/Client | Prior to 5/20/26 hearing | PENDING — Referee not yet assigned |
| 6 | Obtain date-of-death brokerage account valuation statement | Paralegal | Prior to DE-160 filing | IN PROCESS |
| 7 | Confirm no outstanding Medi-Cal liens or tax liens on real property (title search) | Paralegal | Prior to 5/20/26 hearing | PENDING |
| 8 | Inventory and collect specific personal property bequests for Rafael (jewelry, heirlooms) | Client/Attorney | Prior to distribution | NOT STARTED |
| 9 | Final income tax return (2025) coordination with estate accountant | Attorney/CPA | By 4/15/2026 | IN PROCESS |
| 10 | Confirm bond waiver language in original will sufficient — no heir objection filed | Attorney | Pre-hearing | NO OBJECTION TO DATE |
VIII. NOTES
- The will was executed in 2019 and does not contain a no-contest clause. Client confirmed no prior wills or codicils exist.
- The Santa Ana residence will need minor repairs before listing; client has indicated she does not intend to sell immediately. Distribution of real property may require a court order absent all-heir consent.
- Rafael Mendoza has been informally notified via email by the family; formal Probate Code service is still required and must be documented.
- The matter appears straightforward but the overseas heir and minor beneficiary add procedural complexity. Estimated timeline to close: 12–18 months from filing.
Please advise if any issues require immediate attention. I will flag you when the probate referee is assigned.
[Paralegal Name] [LAW FIRM NAME]
This document is a fictional representation created for portfolio purposes only. All names, case numbers, and factual details are invented.