Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Yes. If you are named in the Will to be Executor then you have priority assuming you otherwise qualify. If a bond is required (usually waived for persons named in the Will) and you can't get a bond for some reason (recent bankruptcy) then you won't be appointed. Because you are out of state it is even more important for you to hire an attorney to represent you as the Executor and handle all of the routine administration matters and filings.

Note that some courts will require a small bond for an out of state executor even if bond is waived in the Will.