A California probate referee is a person who has been appointed by the California Controller to value property located in a specific county in the State of California.

California probate referees value property primarily for the probate court and for trustees when the property owner dies. California probate appraisers determine values for a number of different types of property, including real estate, businesses, promissory notes, art and collectibles, and intellectual property. California probate referees do not value cash or cash equivalent assets.

California probate referees obtain information about property directly from the executor or administrator for the estate. This usually involves the personal representative providing the probate inventory listing to the California probate referee, along with any other evidence supporting the proper valuation for the estate property. Personal representatives in California are required to file inventories listing all of the decedent’s property within four months of the date the representatives are appointed by the probate court.

California probate referees also appraise the value of California property that passes outside of the probate process. This typically involves assets held or owned by California revocable living trusts.

The California Comptroller is authorized to appoint at least one California probate referee for each county in California. There are currently several California probate referees appointed for most counties in California. The probate court will usually select a California probate referee for a particular matter by selecting the next California probate referee on his or her list.

To become a California probate referee a person must satisfy the education or work experience and pass a short written examination. The education or work experience includes being a licensed attorney or Certified Public Accountant in California for a three year period or having a number of years of valuation experience. The term of the appointment for California probate referee may not exceed four years.

There are a whole series of probate questions and answers and estate planning articles. We encourage you to view these free resources.