How a divorce appraisal supports a settlement
When a home is divided, the spouses need to know what it is worth. Two competing estimates stall a negotiation, while one written appraisal gives both sides the same evidence to discuss. The report states the value, the date it applies to, the comparable sales and the reasoning. It does not decide the division, and it says nothing about how a court will rule.
Official guidance
Why the date matters
California Family Code section 2552 has the court value assets and liabilities as near as practicable to the time of trial, or at a date after separation and before trial on notice and good cause. Because the date can be chosen, spouses and counsel should settle it before they order the report.
Beverly Hills records worth gathering
Beverly Hills is an incorporated city in Los Angeles County. The city publishes public permit records through its CitySmart Property Information page and handles missing records through its public-records process, and copying plans is a separate request with its own permissions. A permit record shows past work, and it helps the appraiser understand additions and repairs. It is not a valuation conclusion. Start at the city's permit records page.
How to prepare
Prepare a dated list of improvements and repairs, access to every area, and any earlier appraisal. Tell the appraiser who should receive the report. Intended users and recipients are agreed in the engagement and are not always the same.
Where to go next
For the service, see divorce appraisal in Los Angeles, and for the local page see divorce appraiser in Beverly Hills. To understand why an early appraisal helps, read why you need an appraisal before a divorce settlement, and for the property itself see the Beverly Hills real estate appraiser page.
Frequently asked questions
Does the report bind the spouses?
No. It is evidence of value as of a date. The spouses, counsel or the court decide the division.
Can a Beverly Hills permit record change the value?
It informs what work was done. It does not set a value.
Who should receive the report?
The recipients agreed at ordering, usually both spouses and their attorneys.
Can the valuation date be later than separation?
The Family Code allows a date after separation and before trial on notice and good cause. Ask your attorney.