Last amended July 1, 2026 · Last verified July 1, 2026
In one sentenceRule 73.12 lets an estate fiduciary pay an appraiser an agreed, reasonable fee without first asking the court, as long as it stays within the amount a local rule allows, and permits appointing a specially qualified appraiser for property of an unusual character.
(A)Without special application to the court, a fiduciary may allow to the appraiser as compensation for services a reasonable amount agreed upon between the fiduciary and the appraiser, provided the compensation does not exceed the amount allowed by local court rule. If no local court rule exists, the compensation shall be subject to court approval.
(B)If, by reason of the special and unusual character of the property to be appraised, the fiduciary is of the opinion that the appraisal requires the services of persons qualified in the evaluation of that property, a qualified appraiser may be appointed and allowed compensation as provided in division (A) of this rule.
End
Amendment History
Effective Date: July 1, 2026
Plain-English Summary
Division (A) lets the fiduciary and the appraiser agree on reasonable compensation without a special application to the court, provided the amount does not exceed what the local court rule allows. Where no local rule sets a limit, the compensation is subject to court approval.
Division (B) covers property whose special and unusual character calls for an appraiser qualified to value that kind of property. If the fiduciary believes the appraisal needs such expertise, a qualified appraiser may be appointed and paid on the same terms as division (A).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the probate court have to approve an appraiser’s fee?
Not if the fee is reasonable, agreed between the fiduciary and the appraiser, and within the amount the local court rule allows. If there is no local rule on the subject, the fee is subject to court approval.
What if estate property needs a specialist to value it?
Rule 73.12(B) allows a qualified appraiser to be appointed when the special and unusual character of the property calls for persons qualified to evaluate it.
Is a specialist appraiser paid differently?
No. Rule 73.12(B) allows compensation as provided in division (A) — a reasonable agreed amount within the local rule’s limit, or with court approval if there is no local rule.
Source & verification. The rule text, Effective Date, Amended dates, and Staff Notes are reproduced verbatim from the
official Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure (Ohio R. Civ. P. 73.12). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Ohio (Ohio Constitution, Art. IV, § 5(B)). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 1, 2026. ·
Official source