Section 8400 Of Article 1. General Provisions From California Probate Code >> Division 7. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 4. >> Article 1.
8400
. (a) A person has no power to administer the estate until the
person is appointed personal representative and the appointment
becomes effective. Appointment of a personal representative becomes
effective when the person appointed is issued letters.
(b) Subdivision (a) applies whether or not the person is named
executor in the decedent's will, except that a person named executor
in the decedent's will may, before the appointment is made or becomes
effective, pay funeral expenses and take necessary measures for the
maintenance and preservation of the estate.
(c) The order appointing a personal representative shall state in
capital letters on the first page of the order, in at least 12-point
type, the following: "WARNING: THIS APPOINTMENT IS NOT EFFECTIVE
UNTIL LETTERS HAVE ISSUED."