Divorce
Divorce Home Appraisals: Scope, Dates and Review
A home valuation can inform an asset-division or buyout discussion. It does not decide the settlement, remove disagreement or establish what a court will accept.
Updated September 10, 2026
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Before commissioning work, discuss the assignment with your attorney and identify the effective date, intended users and required report scope.
Agree the assignment before ordering
Tell the appraiser who needs to use the report and why. Intended use and intended users are part of the assignment; changing recipients afterward may require a new assignment. Ask your attorney whether a joint engagement is appropriate.
Prepare the property evidence
Gather the address, available property records, renovation history and relevant photos. Clearly separate current condition from condition at any historical effective date. The appraiser determines what additional information or inspection is necessary.
Keep valuation separate from settlement decisions
Your attorney should address ownership interests, debts, agreement terms and any required court process. A value opinion alone does not calculate a legally correct buyout or remove a borrower from a mortgage.
Confirm testimony and delivery
If testimony may be needed, arrange qualifications, availability, scope and fees separately before ordering. A standard report order does not include a commitment to appear in court.
- Who may use and receive the report?
- What effective date is required?
- What filing deadline and format apply?
- Is testimony needed, and is the appraiser available?
Questions people ask
Will both parties have to accept the value?
No. An appraisal is an opinion that can be reviewed or disputed. Ask your attorney how it may be used in your matter.
Who pays for the appraisal?
Confirm payment responsibility in the engagement and with your attorney before ordering.
Sources
Sources checked September 10, 2026. Confirm the requirements for your specific assignment with your recipient or advisor.
