ARTICLE 4. Joint Personal Representatives [9630. - 9631.]

Cal. Probate Code - PROB 4.

in effect

Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 9630. Section 9630.

(a) Subject to subdivisions (b), (c), and (d): (1) Where there are two personal representatives, both must concur to exercise a power. (2) Where there are more than two personal representatives, a majority must concur to exercise a power. (b) If one of the joint personal representatives dies or is removed or resigns, the powers and duties continue in the remaining joint personal representatives as if they were the only personal representatives until further appointment is made by the court. (c) Where joint personal representatives have been appointed and one or more are (1) absent from the state and unable to act, or (2) otherwise unable to act, or (3) legally disqualified from serving, the court may, by order made with or without notice, authorize the remaining joint personal representatives to act as to all matters embraced within its order. (d) Where there are two or more personal representatives, any of them may: (1) Oppose a petition made by one or more of the other personal representatives or by any other person. (2) Petition the court for an order requiring the personal representatives to take a specific action for the benefit of the estate or directing the personal representatives not to take a specific action. If a procedure is provided by statute for a petition to authorize the specific action by the personal representatives, the petitioner shall file the petition under the provision relating to that procedure. Otherwise, the petitioner shall file the petition under Section 9611.

Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 9631. Section 9631.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), where there is more than one personal representative, one personal representative is not liable for a breach of fiduciary duty committed by another of the personal representatives. (b) Where there is more than one personal representative, one personal representative is liable for a breach of fiduciary duty committed by another of the personal representatives under any of the following circumstances: (1) Where the personal representative participates in a breach of fiduciary duty committed by the other personal representative. (2) Where the personal representative improperly delegates the administration of the estate to the other personal representative. (3) Where the personal representative approves, knowingly acquiesces in, or conceals a breach of fiduciary duty committed by the other personal representative. (4) Where the personal representative’s negligence enables the other personal representative to commit a breach of fiduciary duty. (5) Where the personal representative knows or has information from which the personal representative reasonably should have known of the breach of fiduciary duty by the other personal representative and fails to take reasonable steps to compel the other personal representative to redress the breach. (c) The liability of a personal representative for a breach of fiduciary duty committed by another of the personal representatives that occurred before July 1, 1988, is governed by prior law and not by this section.

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