Inventory and Appraisal of Decedent Estates

Division 7, Part 3 of the Probate Code deals with inventory and appraisal for the administration of estates of decedents in California.

Section 8800 requires the personal representative to file with the court clerk an inventory of property to be administered in the decedent’s estate together with an appraisal of property in the inventory. An inventory and appraisal must be combined in a single document. It has to be filed within four months after letters are first issued to a general personal representative. The court may allow further time for filing an inventory and appraisal as is reasonable under the circumstances of the particular case.

Section 8801 states that, if the personal representative acquires knowledge of property to be administered in the decedent’s estate that is not included in a prior inventory and appraisal, the personal representative must file a supplemental inventory and appraisal of the property in the manner prescribed for an original inventory and appraisal.

Section 8802 requires the inventory and appraisal to separately list each item and state the fair market value of the item at the time of the decedent’s death in monetary terms opposite the item.

Section 8803 provides on the filing of an inventory and appraisal or a supplemental inventory and appraisal, the personal representative must deliver a copy to each person who has requested special notice.

Section 8804 specifies that, if the personal representative refuses or negligently fails to file an inventory and appraisal within the time allowed under this chapter, upon petition of an interested person the court may take three specified actions.