Divorce Proceedings

Divorce appraisals frequently require a retrospective effective date. Depending on the state and the case, the court may need the home's value as of the date of separation, the date of filing, or the current date. The appraiser must analyze comparable sales from the correct time period, and sometimes must provide values for more than one date.

The appraisal must be strictly neutral. Unlike a pre-listing appraisal ordered by a seller, a divorce appraisal serves two parties with opposing financial interests. The appraiser cannot advocate for either spouse and must be prepared to explain and defend the valuation to both attorneys, a mediator, or a judge.

Divorce appraisals also emphasize the home's as-is value. The report reflects the property in its current condition without hypothetical repairs or improvements, which is essential for setting a realistic buyout figure or listing price during the settlement.

In a divorce, the date of the valuation can matter as much as the value itself. Some jurisdictions divide property based on its value at the date of separation, others use the date of filing, and others use the date of trial or settlement. In a moving market, those numbers can differ by tens of thousands of dollars.

If the home appreciated after separation, the choice of effective date determines who benefits from that appreciation. An appraiser experienced in divorce work can provide a retrospective value, a current value, or both, so the settlement reflects the correct legal standard for your state.

Before ordering, confirm the required effective date with your attorney or mediator. An appraisal prepared for the wrong date may not be accepted, and getting it right the first time saves time, money, and conflict.