CHAPTER 3. Settlement of Account [11000. - 11005.]

Cal. Probate Code - PROB 3.

in effect

Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 11000. Section 11000.

(a) The personal representative shall give notice of the hearing as provided in Section 1220 to all of the following persons: (1) Each person listed in Section 1220. (2) Each known heir whose interest in the estate would be affected by the account. (3) Each known devisee whose interest in the estate would be affected by the account. (4) The Attorney General, at the office of the Attorney General in Sacramento, if any portion of the estate is to escheat to the state and its interest would be affected by the account. (5) If the estate is insolvent, each creditor who has filed a claim that is allowed or approved but is unpaid in whole or in part. (b) If the petition for approval of the account requests allowance of all or a portion of the compensation of the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative, the notice of hearing shall so state. (c) If the account is a final account and is filed together with a petition for an order for final distribution of the estate, the notice of hearing shall so state.

Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 11001. Section 11001.

All matters relating to an account may be contested for cause shown, including, but not limited to: (a) The validity of an allowed or approved claim not reported in a previous account and not established by judgment. (b) The value of property for purposes of distribution. (c) Actions taken by the personal representative not previously authorized or approved by the court, subject to Section 10590 (Independent Administration of Estates Act).

Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 11002. Section 11002.

(a) The court may conduct any hearing that may be necessary to settle the account, and may cite the personal representative to appear before the court for examination. (b) The court may appoint one or more referees to examine the account and make a report on the account, subject to confirmation by the court. The court may allow a reasonable compensation to the referee to be paid out of the estate. (c) The court may make any orders that the court deems necessary to effectuate the provisions of this section.

Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 11003. Section 11003.

(a) If the court determines that the contest was without reasonable cause and in bad faith, the court may award against the contestant the compensation and costs of the personal representative and other expenses and costs of litigation, including attorney’s fees, incurred to defend the account. The amount awarded is a charge against any interest of the contestant in the estate and the contestant is personally liable for any amount that remains unsatisfied. (b) If the court determines that the opposition to the contest was without reasonable cause and in bad faith, the court may award the contestant the costs of the contestant and other expenses and costs of litigation, including attorney’s fees, incurred to contest the account. The amount awarded is a charge against the compensation or other interest of the personal representative in the estate and the personal representative is liable personally and on the bond, if any, for any amount that remains unsatisfied.

Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 11004. Section 11004.

The personal representative shall be allowed all necessary expenses in the administration of the estate, including, but not limited to, necessary expenses in the care, management, preservation, and settlement of the estate.

Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 11005. Section 11005.

If a debt has been paid within the time prescribed in Section 9154 but without a claim having been filed and established in the manner prescribed by statute, in settling the account the court shall allow the amount paid if all of the following are proven: (a) The debt was justly due. (b) The debt was paid in good faith. (c) The amount paid did not exceed the amount reasonably necessary to satisfy the indebtedness. (d) The estate is solvent.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026