A divorce real estate appraisal is an independent valuation of an identified property for the purpose and date requested in the matter.
Basic definition
A divorce appraisal is an independent assessment of what a property would sell for on the open market at a given date relevant to the divorce (such as separation or filing date).It is usually carried out by a licensed or certified appraiser who provides a written report that can be used in negotiations, mediation, or court.What it typically covers
Most commonly: the family home and other real estate (rental properties, land, commercial buildings).Other assets, such as vehicles, personal property or business interests, may require different valuation specialists. They are not automatically included in a real estate assignment.How the process works
The appraiser inspects the property (inside and outside), reviews its condition, size, features, and any renovations or defects.They then analyze recent sales of similar properties and market trends to estimate fair market value and issue a detailed report explaining how the value was determined.How it differs from a regular appraisal
A regular appraisal might be done for a mortgage, refinancing, or tax assessment, while a divorce appraisal is specifically tailored to the divorce context and key legal dates.