Real Estate Appraisals for Divorce: What Florida Couples Need to Know

When real estate is involved in a divorce, an independent appraisal is one of the most important steps in protecting your interests.

Why You Need an Appraisal in a Divorce

Florida is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital assets including real property are divided fairly between spouses. To divide property fairly, you first need to know what it is worth. A certified real estate appraisal provides an objective third-party opinion of value in a defensible USPAP-compliant report suitable for settlement and mediation.

One Appraisal or Two?

In some divorces, both parties agree to hire a single mutually agreed-upon appraiser. In more contested situations, each party may hire their own appraiser. Either way, it is important to rely on a state-certified appraiser's USPAP-compliant report rather than an online estimate or a real estate agent's opinion. A Certified General appraiser can also value any commercial or investment property in the case. Florida law does not require a particular type of appraisal, but a credible, independent appraisal from a state-certified appraiser is strong evidence of value if the parties disagree.

Retrospective Appraisals in Divorce

In some cases the relevant date of value is a date in the past — for example, the date the petition was filed or a date set by agreement or by the judge. Mantis Valuation Advisors prepares retrospective appraisals as of the past date your attorney identifies, where market data supports it. Under section 61.075, Florida Statutes, the cut-off date for classifying marital assets is generally the earlier of a valid separation agreement or the filing of the petition, and the judge sets the valuation date or dates.

Working with Family Law Attorneys

We work closely with family law attorneys throughout Southwest Florida to provide appraisals that are timely, well-documented, and built to withstand scrutiny. Contact Mantis Valuation Advisors to get started.