The California Probate Referees Association is proud to offer this web resource to the public. Many questions associated with using a Probate Referee, or preparing an Inventory and Appraisal form, can be answered by using the Public Links on the left hand side of our home page. The "Guide to Using Probate Referees" is a link to our procedures guide, which has step by step instructions for preparing an Inventory and Appraisal. In the event you cannot answer a specific question by reviewing that resource, please contact a Probate Referee in your county using the link located on the left side of this page.

Although our appraisal services are a required part of probate, small estate petitions, conservatorship, and guardianship matters filed with the court, we also assist trustees in non-probate matters. Probate Code section 16247 specifically allows Probate Referees to provide values to Trustees. Such values are necessary for purposes of sale, capital gain and estate taxes, distribution, and Trustee fees (often such fees are determined by a percentage of the overall trust estate value). Using an independent Probate Referee for such valuations helps relieve the Trustee of potential conflicts of interest or liability for errors.

Probate Referees have been proudly serving the courts, attorneys, and the public for over 60 years. Before being appointed by the California State Controller, Probate Referees must pass a state administered test on probate and appraisal principles, and attend continuing education each year. Probate Referee values are widely accepted by judges and the IRS as fair and accurate. Finally, our statewide organization gives us a network of experts in each of California's 58 counties.

We look forward to serving you.

David Elefant, President CPRA