Costs of an Expert Witness
Costs of an Expert Witness
The costs of an expert witness arise in probate proceedings when a court-appointed expert witness must determine the value of the estate. Such a valuation becomes particularly necessary when an inventory of the estate is to be drawn up. The law mandates this if a conditional declaration of acceptance of inheritance is submitted, if minors inherit, if subsequent heirs have been appointed, or if a separation of the estate is requested.
The amount of these costs depends on the expert’s effort and the scope of the estate. While for simple valuations of movable property, such as the appraisal of household furnishings, costs usually range between 200 and 800 Euros, for larger estates with real estate or company shares, amounts from 1,500 Euros up to significantly more can arise.
Expert witness costs in probate proceedings are the fees incurred for the valuation of the estate by a court-appointed expert witness, for example, during inventory creation or in special procedural situations.
Typical Occasions for Expert Valuations
- Application for separation of the estate
- Submission of a conditional declaration of acceptance of inheritance
- Minors are entitled to inherit
- Appointment of subsequent heirs in the will
Practical Examples
- Household furnishings (valuation of movable property): approx. 200–800 Euros
- Estate with real estate or company shares: from 1,500 Euros, often significantly more
The actual costs always depend on the individual estate’s circumstances and the expert’s effort.
Peter HarlanderHarlander & Partner Rechtsanwälte „Die Bestellung eines Sachverständigen ist im Verlassenschaftsverfahren kein Ausnahmefall, sondern oft gesetzlich vorgeschrieben. Entscheidend ist, dass die Kosten im Blick behalten werden, weil sie sich direkt auf den Nachlasswert auswirken.“
Your Benefits with Legal Assistance
Engaging an expert witness can lead to significant additional costs in probate proceedings. Without professional advice, it is often unclear whether and to what extent a valuation is actually necessary. Legal assistance ensures that only necessary valuations are commissioned and that costs in the proceedings remain under control. This way, you avoid unforeseen financial burdens and maintain control over the course of the probate proceedings.
Sebastian RiedlmairHarlander & Partner Attorneys „Gerade bei komplexen Vermögensstrukturen wie Immobilien oder Unternehmensbeteiligungen sind Schätzungskosten unvermeidlich. Mit anwaltlicher Unterstützung lassen sich aber unnötige Aufwendungen vermeiden und das Verfahren effizient steuern.“
