Clear, Credible Real Estate Valuation for Divorce Matters.
Our services.
-
Experience Where It Counts.
Divorce appraisals are often reviewed, challenged, or relied upon in court. Each assignment is developed with the understanding that clarity, documentation, and judgment matter.
-
Condition Analyzed Through the Market.
Disputes over property condition are common in divorce. The focus is not on competing opinions, but on how a typical buyer would react, including repairs, risk, and uncertainty.
-
Complex Properties, Careful Analysis.
From unfinished remodels to significant repair issues, each property requires an individual approach. When needed, licensed professionals and multiple cost sources are used to support credible conclusions.
-
Independent, Defensible Opinions.
The role of the appraiser is not to advocate for either side. It is to provide an objective opinion of value that can withstand scrutiny, regardless of how the case progresses.
Divorce Appraisal FAQ
This FAQ is intended to answer common questions about divorce appraisals and explain how the process works. For a more detailed discussion, see the full article: Hiring the Right Appraiser for a Divorce, What Really Matters
-
Divorce appraisals are often subject to a much higher level of scrutiny. Even cases that begin amicably can become contested, and appraisals may ultimately be reviewed by attorneys, opposing experts, or the court.
For that reason, divorce appraisals are developed with the assumption that the analysis and conclusions may need to withstand challenge. This typically requires more detailed explanation, additional research, and careful documentation.
-
Yes. Frequently.
Many cases begin with the expectation of settlement, but circumstances change. Appraisals that were initially obtained for negotiation are often later used in mediation, deposition, or trial.
This is why divorce appraisals should always be prepared as though they may be reviewed in a courtroom, even if litigation is not anticipated at the outset.
-
Disputes over property condition.
In many divorces, one party believes the property is in good condition while the other identifies numerous defects. These disagreements are common and understandable, but they raise real valuation questions.
The appraiser’s role is not to determine who is correct, but to analyze how the market would react to the property given its condition and any associated uncertainty. This issue alone is the most common reason divorce appraisals are questioned or challenged.
-
When appraisers disagree, courts must determine which opinion is more credible.
Judges often consider education, licensing level, professional designations, continuing education, and experience with litigation related assignments, in addition to the quality and clarity of the analysis itself.
When values are close, credentials and the ability to clearly explain methodology can become decisive.
-
Appraisers evaluate condition as a market issue, not a personal one.
Some defects are typically absorbed by the market and reflected in overall condition. Others are addressed through repair credits during escrow. In more serious cases, properties may only be marketable “as is,” often to investors who require a return on the cost and risk of repairs.
When repair opinions differ, estimates from licensed professionals may be reviewed and reconciled to determine how a typical buyer would interpret the condition and associated risk.
-
That’s an important and reasonable question.
Appraisers are not licensed contractors or engineers, which is why reputable cost estimation tools are used and, when necessary, estimates or reports are obtained from licensed local professionals. In complex cases, multiple opinions may be reviewed to understand the range of market perception.
In rare situations, engineers may recommend forensic inspections that are costly and time consuming. Even when definitive answers are not immediately available, the uncertainty itself affects how buyers perceive value, and the appraisal reflects that market reality.
-
Every property and every divorce case is different.
Some appraisals involve minimal condition analysis. Others require extensive investigation, reconciliation of conflicting repair estimates, or input from additional professionals. These factors directly affect scope, timing, and cost.
Attempts to oversimplify complex issues often lead to delays, second appraisals, or additional litigation costs later.
-
No.
A divorce appraiser works for the assignment, not for either party. The opinion of value must be independent and objective, regardless of who pays the fee.