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For attorneys, mediators and homeowners

Divorce and legal
appraisals

We appraise homes for divorce, partition and other legal matters across five Puget Sound counties, as of today or a past date your case needs. Request a quote at (425) 967-3498 or through our form.

Who it is for

Who orders a divorce appraisal?

Family law attorneys, mediators and spouses hire us directly, often as one neutral appraiser both sides agree on. We also take one sided assignments and reviews of an existing report. Either way, we report the value the evidence supports and do not argue for a number.

Under RCW 26.16.030, property either spouse acquires during the marriage is generally community property, so the home is often the largest shared asset to divide. The same report format serves partition actions, bankruptcy and prenuptial agreements.

What you get

What does the report include?

01
Any effective date
Today, the date of separation, or another date your attorney names. For a past date we use sales that closed around it and leave out later ones.
02
Reasoning a judge can follow
Each adjustment is explained in plain words for readers with no appraisal background.
03
Equal treatment
As a joint neutral we send both parties the same report at the same time and answer questions from both.
04
Testimony when needed
If a deposition or trial looks likely, say so when you request a quote so the file is built for it.
How it works

What happens after you call?

Tell us who the client is (one spouse, both, or counsel), the intended use and the effective date, and send any court order about the appraisal. We confirm scope, fee and delivery date in writing before work starts.

One visit is scheduled with whoever lives in the home, and both spouses may attend. The appraiser measures, photographs and notes condition, and does not discuss value at the property. Reports typically take 7 to 10 days depending on scope.

Gerry Allard has been an expert witness in multiple landmark legal cases. That experience sets the standard for these files: if an adjustment could not be explained under cross examination, it does not go in the report.

Questions

Divorce appraisal questions

What will a divorce appraisal cost?
It is quoted for each home, since size, complexity and any past effective date change the work. Turn time is typically 7 to 10 days. Before quoting, our team reviews the MLS history, county records and property data.
Can both spouses use one appraiser?
Yes. A joint neutral report gives everyone one number to work from and avoids paying for two competing appraisals.
Which date should the value be as of?
Your attorney decides that. We can appraise as of today or as of a past date, such as the date of separation.
How is this different from a lender appraisal?
A lender report is written for underwriting. Ours is written for the parties and the court, with more explanation and, when needed, a past effective date. Both follow USPAP.
Service areas

Divorce and legal appraisals across Puget Sound

SeattleBellevueTacomaEverettOlympiaKirklandRedmondLynnwoodBremertonPuyallupAll 63 cities

Other services

Purchase appraisalsRefinance appraisalsEstate and date of death appraisalsPre listing appraisalsProperty tax appeal appraisalsFHA appraisalsPrivate and relocation appraisals

Related reading

Estate and date of death appraisalsHow to win a reconsideration of valueAppraisal FAQ, 100 questions answered

Written by Gerry Allard, Certified General Appraiser, who has served as an expert witness in multiple landmark legal cases.Updated

Sources for this page

Ready to get
started?

Appraisal MS delivers accurate, defensible residential appraisals across King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, and Thurston Counties. Fee and delivery quotes researched by our team, no obligation.

Request a quote

Or call (425) 967-3498 · or ask Gerry a free question