Delaware Probate Appraisers

Can AppraiseItNow handle probate appraisals in Delaware?

Yes, AppraiseItNow provides probate appraisals throughout Delaware, supporting executors, administrators, and personal representatives through the estate settlement process. Our appraisers are familiar with Delaware's Title 12 requirements and the filing expectations of the Register of Wills.

What types of assets can be appraised for Delaware probate purposes?

We appraise a wide range of assets commonly found in Delaware estates, including vehicles, personal property, equipment, artwork, collectibles, jewelry, and business interests. Each appraisal is prepared to meet the fair market value standard required under Delaware probate law.

Are your probate appraisals USPAP compliant?

Yes, all appraisals prepared by AppraiseItNow follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, known as USPAP. This compliance is essential for probate filings, federal estate tax reporting, and court acceptance in Delaware.

Why would someone in Delaware need a probate appraisal?

Delaware requires executors and administrators to file a complete inventory and appraisal with the Register of Wills within three months of receiving letters testamentary or of administration under Title 12. Accurate, professionally prepared appraisals ensure the inventory reflects true fair market value as of the date of death, which supports creditor notifications, distributions, and potential federal estate tax filings using IRS Form 706.

Can probate appraisals be completed remotely for Delaware estates?

Yes, many asset types can be appraised remotely using photographs, descriptions, and supporting documentation submitted online. AppraiseItNow offers remote appraisal services across all of Delaware, making it convenient for out-of-state executors managing a Delaware estate.

How is pricing determined for a Delaware probate appraisal?

Fees depend on the asset type and scope of the assignment. Visit our pricing page for ranges or contact us.

How long does a Delaware probate appraisal typically take?

Turnaround times vary by asset type:

• Vehicles: 3 to 5 days
• Personal property and equipment: 7 to 10 days
• Artwork: 5 to 7 days for simple projects, 2 to 3 weeks for complex assignments
• Business valuations: 2 to 4 weeks
• Inventory: 2 to 4 weeks

Who prepares the appraisal report?

Reports are prepared by credentialed appraisers with relevant expertise in the asset category being valued. AppraiseItNow matches each assignment to a qualified professional whose credentials align with Delaware's standards for disinterested, qualified appraisers as outlined in Title 12.

What does Delaware law require for probate appraisals specifically?

Delaware Title 12 requires personal representatives to appoint qualified, disinterested appraisers when asset values are subject to reasonable doubt or require expert determination, with appraiser names listed on the inventory filed with the Register of Wills. All assets must be valued at fair market value as of the date of death, and the inventory must be supported by an affidavit from the personal representative confirming accuracy and completeness. Estates exceeding $30,000 or containing solely titled property trigger the full inventory and appraisal requirement.

What information do I need to provide to get started?

You will need to share a description of the assets to be appraised, the decedent's date of death, any existing documentation such as purchase records or prior appraisals, and contact information for the executor or personal representative. The more detail you can provide upfront, the faster we can match your estate to the right appraiser.

Will a Delaware probate appraisal be accepted by the IRS, courts, and the Register of Wills?

Yes, AppraiseItNow appraisals are prepared to meet the standards required by Delaware's Register of Wills, the Court of Chancery, and federal tax authorities. For estates requiring an estate tax return, our appraisals support IRS Form 706 filings and are documented to withstand scrutiny from courts and government agencies.

What is the filing deadline executors face in Delaware, and how does an appraisal fit into that timeline?

Delaware executors must file the probate inventory and appraisal with the Register of Wills within three months of receiving letters testamentary or of administration. A professionally prepared appraisal ensures the inventory reflects accurate fair market values, helping avoid delays in creditor notifications and asset distributions.

How does Delaware's $30,000 probate threshold affect whether an appraisal is required?

Estates exceeding $30,000 in probate assets, or those containing solely titled property regardless of total value, must go through the full probate process including a formal inventory and appraisal filed with the Register of Wills. Estates at or below $30,000 with no solely titled property may qualify for a small estate affidavit, bypassing this requirement entirely.

What role do disinterested appraisers play under Delaware Title 12, and how does AppraiseItNow meet that standard?

Delaware Title 12 requires personal representatives to appoint qualified, disinterested appraisers when asset values require expert determination, and their names must appear on the filed inventory. AppraiseItNow's credentialed appraisers have no financial interest in the estate, satisfying the disinterested requirement and supporting a clean filing with the Register of Wills.

How are transfer on death deeds handled in a Delaware probate inventory?

Transfer on death deeds under Delaware Title 25, Chapter 2 must be appraised and included in the probate inventory alongside other estate assets, even though they transfer property outside the full probate process. Including them ensures a complete estate valuation and confirms their non-probate status for the record.

What happens in Delaware intestate cases involving after-born children and how does appraisal factor in?

When a Delaware intestate estate involves after-born children and real property, the Court of Chancery appoints freeholders to appraise the property at its true value in money and, if the estate has sufficient land, to physically lay off and allot shares among heirs. This process combines valuation with partition duties, going beyond a standard inventory appraisal to ensure equitable division among all rightful heirs.

What affidavit requirement accompanies the Delaware probate inventory, and how does it relate to the appraisal?

The personal representative must sign an affidavit confirming that the inventory was prepared through due inquiry and accurately reflects all probate assets. A professionally prepared appraisal supports this affidavit by providing documented, defensible fair market values that the personal representative can confidently certify to the Register of Wills.