Thank you both!
IAAL, so, at least for CA, and likely other states, in-state relatives WILL likely be given preference over out-of-state? I thought that was likely the case.
If there are two or more equally qualified candidates IN-STATE, will estate planning parental preference play any role at all? OR if both parents specifically EXCLUDE an apparently qualified candidate for their own reasons, will that bear any weight if there are other qualified parties available?
And Krispy, I am intriqued by your comment. The state would give preference to a qualified someone of comparable age to that of the parents, you say (remember, DH and I, for example, are the age of some grandparents)?