Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 450. Section 450.
Upon designation by the court, the probate referee has all the powers of a referee of the superior court and all other powers provided in this chapter.
CHAPTER 2. Powers of Probate Referee [450. - 453.]
Cal. Probate Code - PROB 2.
in effectCal. Probate Code - PROB § 451. Section 451.
(a)
For the purpose of appraisal of property in the estate, the probate referee may require, and may issue a subpoena to compel, the appearance before the referee of the personal representative, guardian, conservator, or other fiduciary, an interested person, or any other person the referee has reason to believe has knowledge of the property.
(b)
A subpoena issued under subdivision (a) is subject to the provisions of Chapter 6 (commencing with
Section 2020.010) of Title 4 of Part 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure governing deposition subpoenas.
Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 452. Section 452.
(a)
The probate referee may:
(1)
Examine and take the testimony under oath of a person appearing before the referee.
(2)
Require, and issue a subpoena to compel, the person to produce any document in the person’s possession or control, concerning the value of any property in the estate.
(b)
A subpoena issued under
subdivision (a) is subject to the provisions of Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 2020.010) of Title 4 of Part 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure governing deposition subpoenas.
Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 453. Section 453.
(a)
On petition of a person required to appear before the probate referee pursuant to this chapter, the court may make a protective order to protect the person from annoyance, embarrassment, or oppression. The petitioner shall deliver pursuant to Section 1215 notice of the hearing on the petition to the probate referee and to the personal representative, guardian, conservator, or other fiduciary at least 15 days before the date set for the hearing. Any subpoena issued by the probate referee is stayed during the pendency of the petition.
(b)
On petition of the probate referee, the court may make an order to show cause why a person who is required, but
fails, to appear before the probate referee pursuant to this chapter, should
not be compelled to do so. The probate referee shall deliver pursuant to Section 1215 notice of the hearing on the petition to the person at least 15 days before the date set for the hearing.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026