Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

That would be very unusual but yes, a judge can do that.

Good luck.

They most certainly can order you to appear. Generally if you don't they will issue an order to show cause why you should not be held in contempt and fined, and set another date for you to appear. If you again don't appear you will normally be fined and again ordered to appear at an order to show cause hearing re: the second contempt. Generally if you still no-show and your presence is necessary to the proceeding the court will issue a bench warrant at that point. I've never seen anyone foolish enough to push a judge that far.