Probate Code section 2901

(a)

A public guardian who is authorized to take possession or control of property under this chapter may issue a written certification of that fact. The written certification is effective for 30 days after the date of issuance.

(b)

The written recordable certification shall substantially comply with the following form:
THIS IS AN OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE ENTITLING THE PUBLIC GUARDIAN TO TAKE POSSESSION OF ANY AND ALL PROPERTY BELONGING TO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUAL:
This Certificate of Authority has been issued by the Public Guardian pursuant to and in compliance with Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 2900) of Part 5 of Division 4 of the California Probate Code. Under California law, this Certificate of Authority authorizes the Public Guardian to take possession or control of property belonging to the above-named individual.
SPECIAL NOTE TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS:
State law requires that upon receiving a copy of this Certificate of Authority, financial institutions shall provide the public guardian with information concerning property held by the above-named individual and surrender the property to the Public Guardian if requested.
This Certificate of Authority shall only be valid when signed and dated by the Public Guardian or a deputy Public Guardian of the County of _____ and affixed with the official seal of the
Public Guardian below.
This Certificate of Authority expires 30 days after the date of issuance.
Signature of Public Guardian:
Date:
Official Seal”

(c)

The public guardian may record a copy of the written certification in any county in which is located real property of which the public guardian is authorized to take possession or control under this chapter.

(d)

A financial institution or other person shall, without the necessity of inquiring into the truth of the written certification and without court order or letters being issued:

(1)

Provide the public guardian information concerning property held in the sole name of the proposed ward or conservatee.

(2)

Surrender to the public guardian property of the proposed ward or conservatee that is subject to loss, injury, waste, or misappropriation.

(e)

Receipt of the written certification:

(1)

Constitutes sufficient acquittance for providing information and for surrendering property of the proposed ward or conservatee.

(2)

Fully discharges the financial institution or other person from any liability for any act or omission of the public guardian with respect to the property.

Source: Section 2901, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=PROB§ionNum=2901.­ (accessed May 4, 2025).

Last Updated

Apr. 24, 2025

§ 2901’s source at ca​.gov