Probate Referee is a statewide network of court-appointed valuation experts specializing in probate, trust, and estate matters throughout California. As an association of over 120 referees serving all 58 counties, they provide impartial, court-recognized appraisals required in various legal proceedings, bringing over 60 years of trusted service to attorneys, trustees, and the public.
Each Probate Referee is an Officer of the Court appointed by the California State Controller, having passed rigorous testing in probate and appraisal principles and committed to ongoing education. Their valuations are widely accepted by judges and the IRS for their fairness and accuracy, offering trustees and executors protection from conflicts of interest or liability in non-probate trust matters. They serve attorneys, trustees, individuals navigating probate court requirements, and anyone in need of independent, authoritative asset valuations.
Services Offered
- Probate appraisals
- Estate valuations
- Inventory and Appraisal preparation
- Small estate petition valuations
- Conservatorship asset appraisals
- Guardianship matter valuations
- Non-probate trust asset valuations
- Trust distribution valuations
- Asset sale valuations
- Tax filing valuations
- General trust valuations
- Attorney referral service
The association serves all 58 counties in California, providing a local expert network for asset valuation assignments. Their appraisals are recognized for impartiality and compliance with California Probate Code requirements, offering essential support for legal and fiduciary processes.
