Who Pays for Court-Appointed Help
Probate cases sometimes require outside expertise. A court may appoint an investigator to look into disputed claims, an accountant to untangle financial records, or a lawyer to represent a party's interests. Under this statute, those professionals earn reasonable compensation from the estate itself.
If not otherwise compensated for services rendered, an investigator, accountant or lawyer appointed pursuant to this article is entitled to reasonable compensation from the estate of the decedent.
A.R.S. § 14-3722(A)The court determines what qualifies as "reasonable." If the court compensates the provider directly, it may charge the estate for that cost and deposit the recovered funds into the probate fund under A.R.S. 14-5433.
When the Estate Cannot Cover the Cost
Not every estate has enough assets to pay for appointed professionals. When compensation from the estate is not feasible, the court itself covers the cost. The county may also pay from general fund appropriations and later seek reimbursement from the estate if assets become available.
Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, if compensation by the estate is not feasible the court shall determine and pay reasonable compensation for services rendered by an investigator, accountant or lawyer appointed in a probate administration proceeding.
A.R.S. § 14-3722(B)This ensures that necessary professional assistance is never withheld simply because an estate lacks liquid funds. Families navigating probate should understand that these costs reduce the amount ultimately distributed to heirs.