Short answer

Yes — sometimes. In New Jersey you can often condition a private estate buyout on the co‑heir reimbursing appraisal costs if the co‑heir agrees to that condition in writing or if there is a court order or statutory basis requiring cost allocation. If the co‑heir refuses, you still have options: negotiate, document who paid and why, seek mediation, or ask a court in a probate or partition proceeding to allocate the expense. The outcome depends on what agreements exist, who hired the appraiser, and whether the appraisal was reasonably necessary to value the estate asset.

Detailed answer — How this works under New Jersey law

1. Two basic situations

How you proceed will depend on whether the buyout is a private settlement among heirs or part of a court proceeding (probate administration or partition):

• Private settlement: Heirs can set their own terms. You can require payment or reimbursement as a condition of transferring your interest — but the co‑heir must sign and agree. Put that agreement in writing (sale/settlement agreement, release) and describe payment timing and what happens if they refuse.
• Court proceeding (probate or partition): If you go to court to resolve the buyout or to partition estate property, a judge can allocate costs (including appraisal fees) between parties as part of the final accounting or partition order. Courts generally try to be fair; they may require splitting reasonable costs or charge costs to a party who acted unreasonably.

2. Key legal and practical points

• Who hired the appraiser and why matters. If one heir hired an appraisal solely for that heir’s advantage (for example, to pursue a separate sale to a third party), a court may be less willing to shift all costs to the other heir. If the appraisal was a reasonable step to value estate assets for distribution, co‑heirs are more likely to share the cost.
• Written agreements control. A will, an estate‑settlement agreement, or an inter‑heir buyout term that allocates appraisal costs will usually be enforced by courts in New Jersey.
• Reasonableness test. Courts look at whether the appraisal was reasonable in scope and cost. An extravagant appraisal may be reduced or denied for reimbursement.
• Probate administrator or executor duties. If an executor or administrator ordered the appraisal in the ordinary administration of the estate, the estate typically pays the cost as an administration expense unless the estate agreement or court directs otherwise.
• Court orders and fee shifting. If a court is involved, it can allocate fees, order compensation to the prevailing party, or direct an adjustment in the distribution to reflect costs paid by one heir.

3. Typical ways to require reimbursement

1. Make reimbursement a condition of the buyout offer. In your written buyout offer or settlement agreement, state that the buyout price will be net of appraisal costs or that the co‑heir must reimburse you X dollars on closing.
2. Negotiate credit at closing. Agree to a purchase price and apply the appraisal fee as a credit to the buyer (the co‑heir) at closing so the fee is effectively reimbursed without separate payment.
3. Get a signed release or stipulation. A signed agreement that allocates appraisal costs reduces later disputes and is enforceable in court.
4. If necessary, ask the court to allocate costs. If heirs cannot agree, file a modest petition in probate (for estate administration accounting) or a partition action (for real property) and ask the court to divide appraisal costs fairly.

4. If the co‑heir refuses

• Send a formal written demand with invoices and an explanation of why the appraisal was necessary.
• Offer mediation or neutral valuation to avoid expensive litigation.
• If unwilling to compromise, you can proceed with the buyout unilaterally (if you have the funds) and later seek contribution by petitioning the court for reimbursement or for an adjustment in distribution.
• Keep clear records: who paid, receipts, appraisal scope, and communications about the appraisal — courts rely on documentation.

5. Example hypotheticals

Hypothetical A: Two siblings own a house as co‑heirs. One sibling hires a licensed appraiser to determine fair market value so the other sibling can buy them out. The buying sibling agrees in writing to reimburse half the appraisal fee at closing. That written agreement is enforceable; if the buyer refuses at closing, the seller can refuse to transfer until payment or can sue for breach.

Hypothetical B: One heir pays for an appraisal without telling the others and then demands full reimbursement. A judge may find that the appraisal benefited all heirs and order a fair split, or the judge may deny full reimbursement if the appraisal was unnecessary or overly costly.

6. Relevant New Jersey resources

• General guidance on estate administration and duties of executors/administrators: New Jersey Courts — Estate Administration
• Information about partition actions and how courts handle disputes over jointly owned property: New Jersey Courts — Partition

How to proceed right now — a practical checklist

1. Gather documents: invoice(s), appraisal report, communications, any written agreements or will provisions.
2. Offer a simple written resolution: propose reimbursement at closing or a credit against the buyout amount.
3. Propose mediation if the co‑heir resists. Mediation is faster and cheaper than court.
4. If needed, consult a probate/real‑estate attorney about filing a short petition in probate or seeking allocation of costs in a partition action.
5. Keep records of payments and all settlement offers; a clear paper trail helps if a judge must decide.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney‑client relationship. For advice tailored to your specific situation, consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.

Helpful Hints

• Put every agreement in writing before transferring ownership.
• Get a written appraisal from a licensed New Jersey appraiser for credibility.
• If you’re the executor, track appraisal expenses as estate administration costs and ask the court to approve them if disputed.
• Consider a neutral third‑party appraisal if heirs disagree about value to reduce disputes later.
• Keep negotiation tone cooperative: buyouts that preserve relationships are often faster and less costly than litigation.