A: Not usually; most courts in California use a tentative ruling system. Here’s what this means:
In the days before the hearing on a petition, the court will post its intended ruling on the petition. If the tentative ruling is to grant the petition and no objection is received, the court will grant the petition at the hearing, and there is no need to personally appear. For probate hearings, we often see favorable tentative rulings, and appearances are not required. If an appearance is required, usually only your attorney will need to appear. And if you do need to appear, your attorney will guide you through that process!
