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HomeProbate CodeDiv. 3Pt. 1Ch. 1§ 1000 Probate Proceedings Civil Rules

§ 1000 Probate Proceedings Civil Rules

Probate Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 1000 Probate Proceedings Civil Rules

This law says that probate cases have to follow the same rules as regular civil lawsuits, including how they handle facts and discovery.

Key Takeaways

  • •Probate cases use the same practice rules as ordinary civil actions.
  • •All factual issues in probate are tried the same way as in civil lawsuits.
  • •Discovery of non‑parties starts when the petition and hearing notice are served, following the Civil Discovery Act.

Example

A family member files a probate case to settle a deceased relative's estate and wants to ask questions of people who aren't part of the case.

The case must use the same civil‑court rules for figuring out the facts, and the time to start asking those outside people questions begins when the petition is served to everyone who should get notice.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1000 Probate Proceedings Civil Rules

(a) Except to the extent that this code provides applicable rules, the rules of practice applicable to civil actions, including discovery proceedings and proceedings under Title 3a (commencing with Section 391) of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, apply to, and constitute the rules of practice in, proceedings under this code. All issues of fact joined in probate proceedings shall be tried in conformity with the rules of practice in civil actions. (b) For purposes of determining when a petitioner in a proceeding under this code may commence discovery as to nonparties, the time periods set forth in the Civil Discovery Act (Title 4 (commencing with Section 2016.010) of Part 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure) shall apply, except that the time periods shall commence to run upon service of the petition and notice of hearing upon all parties entitled to notice. Nothing in this subdivision shall either alter when a respondent in such a proceeding may commence discovery or increase the extent to which nonparties may be subject to discovery. (Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 32, Sec. 3. (AB 308) Effective January 1, 2018.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

rules of practicecivil actionsdiscovery proceedingsprobate proceedingsCivil Discovery Act

Related Statutes

  • § 1001 Judicial Council Rulemaking Authority
  • § 1002 Court Discretion On Costs
  • § 1003 Guardian Ad Litem Appointment
  • § 1003.5 Public Guardian Appointment Limits
  • § 1004 Property Title Notice Filing

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Probate Code. Section 1000.
View Official Source