CA Prob Code Section 12407

(a)

If the court finds that the alleged missing person is a person presumed to be dead under Section 12401, the court shall do both of the following:

(1)

Appoint a personal representative for the estate of the missing person in the manner provided for the estates of deceased persons.

(2)

Determine the date of the missing person’s death.

(b)

The personal representative shall administer the estate of the missing person in the same general manner and method of procedure, and with the same force and effect, as provided for the administration of the estates of deceased persons, except as otherwise provided in this part.