Chapter 2. Powers Of Probate Referee of California Probate Code >> Division 2. >> Part 12. >> Chapter 2.
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.
(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.
(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.
(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 mail 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 mail notice of
the hearing on the petition to the person at least 15 days before the
date set for the hearing.