The appraisal of assets in a divorce is done by a third -- and independent -- party or each spouse will hire his or her own appraiser, at which point each side will negotiate the values against one another.

Since one asset is often used to offset another asset, the appraised value of an asset is an issue that is often argued.

Your Suggestion

1. Who Wants the Homestead?
   In considering the family home in conjunction with a divorce, here are reasons to sell it: mortgage payments are too high, too much maintenance, too much money in equity, other debts and too many memories. Here are some reasons to keep it: the house is a good place to live, other sufficient assets, the inability to refinance, the ability to maintain it and tax considerations.
   Contributed on 4/18/2007 by: DivorceDex.com Staff

   Category: Property Division   (Applicable in All States)
2. The Valuation Date
   An appraisal is done as of a specific date. This date is typically agreed upon by the parties and can either be the separation date or the date of the divorce. Agreeing on what date should be used for valuation purposes is often argued because it can severely alter the valuation amount of an asset. For example, the marital home may have appreciated in value since the separation date.
   Contributed on 4/18/2007 by: DivorceDex.com Staff

   Category: Property Valuations   (Applicable in All States)

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