.webp){kind=spacer}
Divorce
Welcome to Home Point Appraisal, Your Trusted
Real Estate
Divorce
Appraiser
A Divorce Appraisal is an independent property valuation used to support the division of marital assets during dissolution proceedings. Family law courts rely on these appraisals to ensure equitable property distribution under California community property law. Depending on the case, the appraisal may reflect current market value or a retrospective date of separation value, and may be ordered by one party, both parties jointly, or by court order.
25 Years of Family Law Appraisal Experience
Glenn has over 25 years of dedicated family law appraisal experience and has completed numerous divorce-related valuations. He’s available as either a sole appraiser representing one party or as a joint stipulated appraiser engaged by both parties. Approximately 25% of his divorce engagements are joint stipulations; the remaining 75% are single-party engagements where each side hires its own expert.
Joint Stipulated Appraiser Engagements
Joint stipulations are increasingly common when both sides want a defensible value without the cost and time of dueling appraisals. Both parties share the cost, agree on the appraiser, and accept that the appraisal will be independent and neutral. The result anchors the negotiation in fact and frequently resolves the property valuation issue without further dispute. When parties can agree to a joint appraisal, settlement typically follows faster and cheaper than the alternative.
Date of Valuation Matters
Approximately 25% of divorce appraisals are based on the date of separation rather than the current market — particularly when the parties separated some time ago and one side has occupied or maintained the property since. Date of separation valuations are retrospective: the appraisal estimates what the property was worth on the historical date, using comp data and market conditions in effect at that time. The remaining 75% of divorce appraisals reflect current market value as of the report’s effective date. Confirm with the family law attorney which value date applies before ordering.
California Community Property Context
California is a community property state, meaning that real estate acquired during the marriage is typically subject to equal division regardless of which spouse’s name appears on title. Real estate acquired before marriage, or by gift or inheritance during marriage, is typically separate property. Property purchased with mixed funds — or that received community-property contributions during the marriage — can have both community and separate components requiring specialized tracing analysis. Family law attorneys handle the tracing; we handle the underlying property valuation that the tracing depends on.
Credentials and Los Angeles Court Experience
Glenn is a California Certified Residential Appraiser and Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) with 25 years of active practice and over 10,000 appraisals completed across Los Angeles County. He has provided expert witness testimony in family law matters at the Los Angeles Metro Courthouse, Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Torrance Courthouse, Santa Monica Courthouse, and Pasadena Courthouse — though most family law matters settle before trial when the appraisal evidence is strong.
Why Choose Home Point Appraisal?
With over 25+ years of experience in the SoCal real estate industry, we have expertise and knowledge of your local market. Call us for fast response or click the button below to get an instant quote.
Frequently Asked Questions — Divorce Appraisal
Should we use a date-of-separation or date-of-trial valuation?
California is a community property state, and most divorces use the date of separation as the valuation date for community property. However, depending on the case and the agreement of the parties (or a court order), the date of trial or date of distribution may also be used. Talk with your family law attorney about which date applies to your case. We can perform retrospective appraisals to any specific date, supported by market data as of that date.
Do California family law courts require a neutral, joint appraiser?
Not strictly required, but strongly preferred. California family law courts favor a single neutral, jointly-retained appraiser to avoid the “battle of the experts” that drives up costs and prolongs proceedings. Many judges actively encourage parties to share an appraiser. As an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) with no party-aligned interest, Glenn serves regularly as a neutral joint appraiser in Los Angeles County divorce cases.
Can one appraisal be used by both parties in the divorce?
Yes, and that’s typically the most efficient and cost-effective approach. A single, jointly-retained appraisal gives both parties (and the court) the same neutral baseline value. The cost is usually split between the parties or paid from community assets. If one party later disputes the result, they can commission their own appraisal, but this often leads to a third “court-appointed” appraisal to resolve the discrepancy.
How does an appraisal hold up under cross-examination?
A USPAP-compliant appraisal prepared by a credentialed appraiser holds up well under cross-examination when properly documented. Court-ready appraisals include detailed comparable sales analysis, transparent adjustment grids, market conditions support, and clear methodology. Glenn has testified as an expert witness in California family law and probate cases. Any question opposing counsel asks should be answerable from the report itself — that’s the standard we structure to.
What if my spouse and I disagree on the appraised value?
First, request a reconsideration of value by submitting any additional comparable sales or property information that may not have been considered. If the disagreement persists, options include: (a) commissioning a second independent appraisal, (b) requesting the court appoint a neutral third appraiser, or (c) using arbitration. In our experience, well-documented appraisals from neutral experts rarely produce values that survive serious challenge.
.webp){kind=spacer}
