Detailed answer — how this works under Utah law

Below are common scenarios and how Utah law and practical steps typically apply.

1) Probate is open and a personal representative ordered the appraisal

If the probate estate has a personal representative (executor or administrator) and the representative ordered a valuation or appraisal to administer the estate, the reasonable cost of that appraisal is normally treated as an administration expense and paid from estate funds. Probate in Utah follows the Utah Uniform Probate Code (Title 75). For an overview of the probate code and administration duties, see the Utah Legislature’s Title 75 pages: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75/75.html, and practical court guidance at the Utah Courts probate pages: https://www.utcourts.gov/howto/probate/.

2) No representative acted and one heir privately ordered the appraisal

If one co‑heir hired and paid for the appraisal without the personal representative ordering it, that cost is not automatically an estate expense under probate law. In that case, reimbursement is a matter of agreement between the heirs. You can:

• Ask the other heir to reimburse the cost in writing.
• Make reimbursement part of the buyout calculation (e.g., reduce the buying heir’s payment by the appraisal fee, or add the fee to the buyout price owed to the paying heir).
• Obtain a written buyout agreement that allocates appraisal costs explicitly.

3) Heirs disagree — court options

If heirs cannot agree, Utah law provides remedies through the courts. If the dispute relates to distributing estate assets, you can ask the probate court to resolve payment and accounting issues. If the dispute involves real property held jointly by heirs and one heir seeks to force a sale or partition, you can pursue a partition action in district court. In litigation, a judge can allocate costs equitably, order reimbursement, or apportion fees as part of an accounting or partition decree. See general Utah statutes and court information at the legislature site: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75/75.html and the district court practice pages: https://www.utcourts.gov/.

4) Practical effect on a buyout

If you plan to buy out a co‑heir or be bought out, the simplest solutions are contractual:

• Include who pays the appraisal in the buyout agreement.
• Allow the appraisal fee to be deducted from the buyout proceeds or split pro rata.
• Obtain a signed closing statement showing the agreed allocation of costs.

Hypothetical example

Mary and Juan inherit a house as co‑heirs. There is no personal representative and no open probate. Mary pays $600 for a certified appraisal to set a buyout price. Juan refuses to reimburse. Options: Mary can propose a written buyout that deducts the $600 from Juan’s cash obligation; request mediation; or file a civil action (partition or accounting) where a court may decide whether Juan must reimburse some or all of the appraisal cost.

Key legal takeaways

• If the personal representative ordered the appraisal during probate, treat the fee as an estate administration expense and seek payment from estate funds.
• If an heir paid privately, reimbursement depends on agreement or a court order; it is not automatically owed under probate rules.
• Get allocation of appraisal costs in writing before finalizing any buyout to avoid disputes.
• If you cannot reach agreement, consider mediation or court petition (probate or partition) so a judge can allocate costs fairly.

For statute references and detailed code text, see the Utah Code Title 75 (Probate) index: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75/75.html. For procedural steps and forms, review the Utah Courts probate guidance: https://www.utcourts.gov/howto/probate/.

Note: Different factual variations can change the outcome (for example, a decedent’s will that allocates costs differently, or prior written agreements among heirs). If the estate has unusual facts, consult counsel.

Helpful Hints

• Put cost agreements in writing before spending money on appraisals.
• If probate is open, ask the personal representative to order the appraisal so the fee comes from estate funds.
• Obtain at least two appraisal bids for accuracy and to show reasonableness of the fee.
• If you pay a private appraisal, save receipts and the written appraisal report to support a reimbursement claim.
• Use mediation or a neutral third party for buyout negotiations to reduce litigation risk and cost.
• If you plan a buyout, include an explicit cost allocation clause (who pays for appraisal, closing fees, taxes, prorations) in the buyout agreement.
• When in doubt, consult a Utah probate or real property attorney early — they can draft agreements and advise whether the appraisal should be handled as an estate expense or a private cost.