Cal. Probate Code § 9820 : California Probate Code — Administration Of Estates Of Decedents — Actions And Proceedings By Or Against Personal Representative — Authority to commenced or defend actions Date: 31 Aug 2016 TEXT PDF Current through the 2016 Legislative Session The personal representative may: (a) Commence and maintain actions and proceedings for the benefit of the estate. (b) Defend actions and proceedings against the decedent, the personal representative, or the estate. Ca. Prob. Code § 9820