Short answer: Possibly. Under Wyoming practice, whether a co‑heir must reimburse you for an appraisal before a buyout depends on who ordered and paid for the appraisal, any written agreement between heirs or the personal representative, and any order the probate court issues. Heirs can agree to share appraisal costs or to have the estate pay reasonable administration expenses; if there is no agreement, a petition to the probate court can ask the court to allocate those costs.

Detailed Answer — How this typically works in Wyoming

When heirs divide estate property by buyout (one heir purchases an interest from the others), the fair market value often comes from a professional appraisal. Who ultimately bears the appraisal cost depends on several factors:

• Agreement among heirs: If heirs sign a written buyout agreement, it can allocate appraisal costs however they choose — for example, splitting costs equally, charging them to the estate, or letting the buyer pay and then deduct the fee from the buyout price.
• Role of the personal representative or administrator: If the estate is open and the personal representative (executor/administratrix) ordered the appraisal as a reasonable administration expense, that cost is usually payable from the estate. The representative should document the reason and the cost as part of estate expenses in the estate accounting and settlement process.
• No agreement and no active probate representative: If one co‑heir unilaterally ordered an appraisal to value property for a buyout and wants the other co‑heirs to reimburse them, the other heirs are not automatically obligated to pay unless a court orders it or they consent. A co‑heir can ask the probate court to allow the appraisal fee as an administratively allowed expense or ask the court to order cost‑sharing under equitable principles.
• Court allocation: If heirs dispute who pays, you can ask the Wyoming probate court (or a court handling a partition action) to allocate costs. Courts commonly allow reimbursement for reasonable and necessary valuation expenses, especially when those costs aided estate administration or equitable distribution. Courts also may reduce or deny reimbursement if the appraisal was unnecessary, duplicative, or excessively priced.
• Partition and buyouts: If the case involves a partition action (division of real property among co‑owners), Wyoming law governing partition and related remedies allows courts to handle valuations and cost allocations as part of the remedy. Where a buyout happens privately, the parties’ contract usually controls cost allocation unless the court intervenes.

Practical outcomes you might see:

• Heirs split appraisal cost evenly up front.
• The buyer pays the appraisal and deducts the cost from the buyout price.
• The estate pays the appraisal as an administrative expense (reimbursed from estate assets), subject to court approval.
• A court orders allocation based on fairness and necessity when heirs cannot agree.

Relevant Wyoming law and resources: Wyoming governs wills, administration, and probate through state statutes and the courts. For statutory text and to learn more about probate procedures in Wyoming, see the Wyoming Legislature and Wyoming Judicial Branch resources:

• Wyoming Legislature (statutes) — search Title 2 (probate, fiduciaries and estates) and related chapters for provisions about administration, fiduciary duties, and allowance of expenses.
• Wyoming Judicial Branch — court forms and probate guidance; county courts supervise probate administration and cost allowances.

Because Wyoming probate practice focuses on reasonableness and documentation, an appraiser with a clear scope, written engagement letter, and a neutral assignment increases the chance the appraisal fee will be treated as a proper administrative expense or a reimbursable shared cost.

Step‑by‑Step Actions to Take

1. Get the appraisal invoice and engagement letter showing why the appraisal was needed and what it covered.
2. Ask the co‑heir(s) for reimbursement in writing and propose a fair allocation method (split, deduction from buyout price, or estate payment).
3. If the estate has an executor/administrator, ask that person to include the appraisal as an estate administration expense and approve reimbursement from estate funds.
4. If heirs cannot agree, consider filing a motion or petition in probate court to allow the appraisal fee as a necessary estate expense or to allocate costs as part of the buyout or partition proceedings.
5. Keep records: communications, invoices, multiple bids if available, and proof the appraisal assisted valuation for distribution or sale.

If you plan to proceed with a buyout, document the cost allocation in the buyout agreement. That avoids later disputes and gives the court a clear record if you later ask for enforcement.

When to Consult an Attorney

Talk with a Wyoming probate or estate attorney if:

• Heirs refuse to reimburse a reasonable and documented appraisal fee.
• There is no personal representative or the executor disputes the expense.
• The appraisal is large relative to the asset value or multiple appraisals conflict.
• You want a court order allocating costs before completing a buyout.

An attorney can prepare a petition for court approval, advise on how courts in your county typically allocate costs, and draft a buyout agreement that protects your interests.

Helpful Hints

• Obtain a written engagement letter for every appraisal that clearly states the purpose (estate division/buyout) and scope.
• Get two or more appraiser quotes when possible to show reasonableness of cost.
• Document who requested the appraisal and why — that helps justify the fee as necessary to the estate.
• Include cost allocation terms in any buyout agreement to avoid future disputes.
• If the estate is open, work through the personal representative — they can more easily get estate approval to pay reasonable expenses.
• File a short petition in probate court early if other heirs refuse to cooperate; courts will often prefer resolving allocation issues before property transfers finalize.