Hiramanek

I. BACKGROUND

A. The Dresser Claim In February 2014, William Dresser, Roda Hiramanek’s former counsel, obtained a judgment against her for $177,838.66. By November 2021, more than $120,000 in interest had accrued, bringing Dresser’s claim to just under $300,000. B. The Initial Petition On January 13, 2021, slightly less than a year after Roda Hiramanek passed away, Debra Lumley filed a petition for authorization to administer Ms. Hiramanek’s estate. Lumley was represented by Dresser, who appears to be her employer. The petition alleged that Ms. Hiramanek resided in San Jose at the time of her death, that she died intestate, and that she had a son (appellant Hiramanek). The petition also asserted that Lumley was a California resident and entitled to letters of administration but did not assert entitlement to priority in appointment. Notice of the petition and the hearing on it was mailed to Hiramanek on the same day that the petition was filed. On March 18, 2021, Hiramanek filed an opposition. He asserted a variety of objections: He was not served; Lumley lacked standing; his mother left a will appointing him as her executor; the Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District (Third…