Appraisers and Masters

The Department pays for the compensation of special masters or appraisers consistent with the fees and expenses set by the court, but it reserves the right to refuse payment of unusual or unreasonable fees and/or expenses.

United States Attorneys may authorize payment of reasonable compensation for special masters, guardians ad litem, or appraisers appointed by the court as the result of an action brought by the United States. Vouchers for compensation and expenses of such individuals must be supported by copies of the order making the appointment and fixing compensation and expenses. Funding must come from the USAO’s litigation budget, not from the FEW appropriation. The attorney should make a note on the applicable form when it is being used for a special master, guardian ad litem, or appraiser.

Fees and expenses of land commissioners will not be paid by the Department. Land commissioners appointed pursuant to Rule 71A, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, are payable from funds appropriated to the judiciary.

[updated February 2018]