A divorce appraisal is an unbiased, certified opinion of your property’s market value, prepared specifically for matrimonial proceedings or separation negotiations. Unlike a sales appraisal, it’s designed to withstand scrutiny by lawyers, mediators, and Ontario courts — providing a defensible number that both parties can rely on when dividing assets.

This depends on your situation. Often the cost is shared equally between both spouses, especially when the appraiser is jointly retained. In other cases, one party orders the report and the cost is later factored into the settlement. We’re happy to invoice either party — or split the invoice — based on what your lawyers agree to.

Yes, and this is often the most cost-effective and least adversarial approach. A jointly retained appraiser provides a single, neutral report that both parties (and both lawyers) can rely on, reducing the risk of duelling appraisals and keeping costs down.

The valuation date depends on your jurisdiction and the stage of your separation. In Ontario, the date of separation is typically used for equalization purposes, but the date of trial or current market value may also be relevant. We recommend confirming the correct date with your family lawyer before we begin the report.

A current appraisal reflects your property’s value as of today. A retrospective appraisal reflects what the property was worth on a past date — often the date of separation or marriage. Both are common in matrimonial work, and we can prepare either — or both in the same report — when needed.

From the time of inspection, most matrimonial reports are completed within 5–7 business days. Rush turnaround is available for time-sensitive court dates or mediation deadlines — just let us know your timeline when you book.

Yes. All of our matrimonial appraisals are CUSPAP-compliant and prepared by CRA-designated appraisers qualified to provide expert evidence in Ontario courts. If required, we’re available to testify or attend mediation to support the findings in our report.

No. A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from a real estate agent is a marketing tool — it’s not a certified opinion of value and isn’t accepted by the courts. A divorce appraisal is a regulated, signed report prepared by a designated appraiser, held to professional standards, and admissible as expert evidence.