California Probate Form PRB-PES-002

Order Appointing Probate Referee

This page is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Forms and requirements change frequently — verify the current version with your local probate court or an attorney.

Last updated: June 1, 2026
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About Order Appointing Probate Referee

This form is a court order appointing a disinterested person as Probate Referee to appraise estate property at fair market value pursuant to California Probate Code Section 8900 et seq.

When you'd use it: Filed when the court needs to appoint a probate referee to value estate, trust, conservatorship, or guardianship assets at the relevant valuation date.

Where to get the official form

The official version of Order Appointing Probate Referee is published as a PDF by the California courts. We checked this link and it resolved to a form on an official court or government website — always download the current version directly from the source rather than a third-party copy:

Verified official PDF

Download Order Appointing Probate Referee (PDF) →

Source: sf.courts.ca.gov

Link last checked: May 30, 2026

How to file Order Appointing Probate Referee in California

  1. Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Order Appointing Probate Referee (PRB-PES-002) when filed when the court needs to appoint a probate referee to value estate, trust, conservatorship, or guardianship assets at the relevant valuation date. Double-check it's the right form for your situation — California probate forms are revised periodically, so verify the name and number against your court's current form list before you start.
  2. Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Order Appointing Probate Referee carefully and review it for errors before filing. Probate cases can already take months — a small mistake on the form can set your timeline back further.
  3. Step 3 — Get it notarized or witnessed if requiredSome probate forms must be signed in front of a notary or witnesses. Check the instructions on the form itself, and arrange notarization before you file if it's required.
  4. Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Order Appointing Probate Referee to the probate court or county clerk handling the estate — usually in the California county where the deceased lived. Ask the clerk how they prefer to receive filings (in person, by mail, or e-filing).

Working through the Order Appointing Probate Referee? SwiftProbate builds a personalized, step-by-step checklist for settling the estate — so you know which forms to file, in what order, and by when.

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Probate in California

See the full California probate guide for filing deadlines, small-estate options, timelines, costs, and county courthouse details.

Read the California probate guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Order Appointing Probate Referee (PRB-PES-002)?
This form is a court order appointing a disinterested person as Probate Referee to appraise estate property at fair market value pursuant to California Probate Code Section 8900 et seq. You'd typically use it when filed when the court needs to appoint a probate referee to value estate, trust, conservatorship, or guardianship assets at the relevant valuation date.
Where do I file Order Appointing Probate Referee in California?
Probate forms are filed with the probate court or county clerk in the California county where the deceased person lived. Our California probate guide can help you find the right courthouse, filing fees, and local requirements.
Do I need a lawyer to complete Order Appointing Probate Referee?
Many people complete probate forms themselves, especially for smaller or uncontested estates. Complex estates may benefit from professional advice. SwiftProbate is an informational tool that helps you understand and organize the process — it is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Is Order Appointing Probate Referee available online?
Most California probate forms are published as PDFs by the state courts or the county clerk. You can find the official source linked above.

Other California Probate Forms

Declaration Re: Venue (Probate Guardianships)3700Waiver of Accounting (Probate Code § 10954)7001-PRInformal Accounting - Blocked Accounts [Confidential]VN267Proof of Payment of Assessment FeePRB-PCN-004

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate forms and requirements vary by state, county, and individual circumstances, and change over time. Always verify the current form and instructions with your local probate court, and consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. SwiftProbate is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.