Below is a practical, plain‑language explanation of how appraisal costs are handled under Kansas law when one heir pays for a valuation before buying out another heir’s share. This is an educational summary only and not legal advice.

Short answer

You cannot unilaterally force a co‑heir to reimburse you for an appraisal unless one of the following is true: the cost is an estate administration expense paid or authorized by the personal representative; the co‑heir agreed (in writing or by clear prior course of dealing) to reimburse you; or a Kansas court orders reimbursement after you ask it to decide. Otherwise, reimbursement is a matter for negotiation in the buyout terms.

How Kansas law treats appraisal and administration costs

Kansas handles estate administration under the Kansas Probate Code (K.S.A. Chapter 59). Costs that are incurred for the ordinary administration of the estate—such as appraisals ordered or paid by the personal representative (executor or administrator)—are typically treated as estate expenses and paid from estate assets before distribution of property to heirs. See the Kansas Probate Code (K.S.A. Chapter 59) for the statutory framework: K.S.A. Chapter 59 (Kansas Probate Code).

If an individual heir independently hires an appraiser to help value property for that heir’s private use—for example, to decide whether that heir will buy out another heir—Kansas law does not automatically treat that cost as an estate administration expense. The hiring heir has a stronger claim to seek reimbursement only when there is an agreement that the appraiser’s fee will be shared or repaid.

Common fact pattern (hypothetical) and how it usually resolves

Hypothetical facts: Two siblings inherit a family house as equal co‑heirs. Sibling A hires a licensed appraiser, pays $600, and then offers to buy out Sibling B’s share. Sibling B refuses to reimburse A and refuses to negotiate.

How this typically plays out in Kansas:

• If the estate is open and the personal representative authorized or paid for the appraisal as part of administration, the $600 is an estate expense and should be charged against estate assets before distribution.
• If Sibling A hired the appraiser privately and there was no prior agreement, Sibling B cannot be forced to reimburse A outside of negotiation. The usual practical options are negotiating to reduce the buyout price by $600, presenting the appraisal as a reasonable basis for value, or asking the court to resolve the dispute (for example, by requesting an order that the appraisal cost be treated as an advancement, charge, or estate expense if appropriate).
• If the co‑heirs reach a written agreement (e.g., “Buyer pays for appraisal and Seller will reimburse half at closing”) that agreement is enforceable and can be enforced in court if needed.

When a Kansas court can order reimbursement

You can ask the probate court for relief when heirs cannot agree. Potential court outcomes include:

• Ruling that the cost is an estate administration expense if the appraisal was necessary to carry out the duties of the personal representative.
• Enforcing a written or proven oral agreement about cost allocation between heirs.
• Allocating the cost between heirs if the court finds it fair under the circumstances (for example, if the appraisal primarily benefited the estate or the nonpaying heir).

Courts generally look at who requested the appraisal, who benefited from the appraisal, whether the appraisal was necessary for administration, and any prior agreements among heirs.

Practical steps you can take in Kansas

Follow these steps to protect your position and increase the chance of recovering appraisal costs:

• Document who requested and paid for the appraisal and why. Keep the invoice and the appraiser’s report.
• Check probate status. If a personal representative is in place, ask whether the representative ordered or will pay for appraisals as an estate expense.
• Offer a written buyout proposal that clearly deducts the appraisal fee (or a portion of it) from the buyout price. Put any cost‑sharing agreement in writing and signed by both heirs.
• If you paid the appraisal to help value property for the estate administration (not just your personal benefit), ask the personal representative to classify and pay it as an estate expense with court approval if necessary.
• If the other heir refuses to cooperate, consider filing a motion in probate court asking the judge to rule on whether the appraisal cost should be reimbursed, charged to the estate, or otherwise allocated.

Helpful Hints

• Get agreements in writing: A signed short agreement that allocates appraisal costs makes enforcement much easier.
• Use the personal representative when possible: If the estate is open, have the personal representative order appraisals to ensure costs are treated as estate expenses.
• Communicate early and in writing: Send the co‑heir a copy of the appraisal, the invoice, and a clear proposal for how the cost will be handled in the buyout.
• Consider splitting costs: Proposing to split the appraisal fee can help negotiations and show reasonableness to a court later.
• Keep receipts and proof of payment: Courts and mediators rely on records when allocating costs.
• If the appraisal only benefits one heir, expect the other heir to resist reimbursing; plan the buyout price accordingly.
• For small amounts, weigh the cost of litigation against the fee; sometimes negotiating a slight reduction in buyout price or accepting the cost is more practical than suing.

When to talk to a Kansas probate attorney

Consult a local probate attorney if:

• The co‑heir refuses reasonable negotiation and the dollar amount is significant;
• The estate is complex or other administration disputes exist;
• You need to file a motion with the probate court to obtain a binding allocation of costs;
• You want help drafting a written buyout agreement that protects your rights and sets out cost allocation clearly.