Navigating Probate Real Estate with a Probate Referee in Orange County, CA
A probate referee plays a pivotal role in the probate process and is primarily tasked with assessing the estate’s assets to determine their fair market value at the time of the decedent’s death. This assessment is critical for tax purposes, resolving debts, and ensuring equitable distribution among beneficiaries. However, identifying estate assets falls outside the probate referee’s responsibilities.
Expertise and Selection:
They typically hail from a background in property appraisal, whether as real estate appraisers or certified public accountants; probate referees are appointed based on their expertise. This appointment can be influenced by the settlor’s wishes as outlined in the trust or Will or, at the court’s discretion, aiming to act in the estate’s best interest.