Decedents' estates: personal representative.

Existing law authorizes a personal representative, or any person claiming to be a beneficiary or otherwise entitled to distribution of a share of an estate, to file a petition for a court determination of the persons entitled to distribution of the decedent's estate. Existing law also requires the court to consider as evidence in the proceeding any statement made in a petition and any statement of interest, except as specified, and authorizes the personal representative to file papers and otherwise participate in the proceeding as a party to assist the court. This bill would instead authorize the personal representative to file a petition with the court for authorization to participate in the proceeding as necessary to assist the court. The bill would authorize the court to grant or deny the petition without an evidentiary hearing and would require a showing of good cause for a petition to be granted. The bill would also require a court to determine the manner and capacity in which the personal representative may provide assistance in the proceeding.