Divorce Appraisal
Independent written property valuations to support separation and divorce proceedings.
What is a divorce appraisal?
When a couple separates or divorces, determining the fair market value of jointly owned real property is often a required step in the property equalization process. A written appraisal report provides an independent, documented opinion of value as of a specific effective date.
Each party may retain their own appraiser, or the parties may agree on a jointly retained appraiser. The resulting report documents the estimated fair market value of the property and the analysis supporting that conclusion.
Appraisal reports are prepared by qualified designated appraisers in accordance with applicable professional standards.
Who this service is for
- Individuals going through separation or divorce
- Family law lawyers requiring independent valuations
- Mediators and collaborative law professionals
- Parties seeking an independent written opinion of value
Current value vs. retrospective value
Not every divorce appraisal is valued as of today. Depending on your situation, the appraisal may need to reflect a current value or a retrospective value.
Current value
What the home is worth as of the appraisal date. Most common when a sale or buyout is happening now.
Retrospective (date-of-separation) value
What the home was worth on a specific past date, typically the date of separation. This is often the legally relevant date for equalization purposes in Ontario, and requires the appraiser to research comparable sales data from that earlier period rather than the current market.
Who orders this appraisal
- Homeowners going through separation, individually or jointly
- Family lawyers on behalf of a client
- Mediators coordinating a separation agreement
- Accountants involved in equalization calculations
Whoever orders the report, the appraiser's duty is to fair market value, not to a figure that favours whoever is paying for it. That impartiality is what gives the report weight if it's ever challenged.
How it works
Contact us
Reach out by phone or email to discuss your appraisal needs.
Property inspection
A qualified appraiser conducts an on-site inspection. The effective date of the appraisal is confirmed beforehand.
Written report
You receive a written appraisal report prepared by a qualified designated appraiser.
Request a divorce appraisal
Contact us to discuss your appraisal needs across Oakville and surrounding communities.
Frequently asked questions
What date is used to value a home in a divorce or separation?
Depending on your situation, the appraisal may reflect the current value as of today, or a retrospective value as of a specific past date, most often the date of separation. In Ontario, the date of separation is often the relevant date for equalization purposes. Which date applies to your file should be confirmed with your lawyer before the appraisal is ordered.
Who pays for a divorce appraisal?
Either party may order and pay for the appraisal individually, or both parties may agree to jointly retain and share the cost of a single appraiser. Arrangements vary by case and are typically confirmed between the parties or through legal counsel.
What does a divorce appraisal report include?
A divorce appraisal report includes a full interior and exterior inspection of the property, an analysis of comparable sales in the area, consideration of the property's condition and features, and a written opinion of value with the supporting analysis. Reports are prepared to be defensible if reviewed by opposing counsel, a mediator, or the court.
Is a divorce appraisal impartial?
Yes. Regardless of who orders or pays for the report, a designated appraiser's duty is to provide an independent, unbiased opinion of fair market value, not a figure that favours whichever party retained them.
Other appraisal services
Areas we serve
We provide this service across Oakville and surrounding communities.
Oakville, ON L6J 7L7