Greensburg Property Appraisal Lawyer
Next to child custody, one of the most hotly contested issues in a Pennsylvania divorce resolves around marital property distribution. It’s not necessarily even about who gets what, but conflicts can erupt trying to assess the value of the marital assets. Even in cases involving limited assets, couples can struggle to reach an agreement. It’s even more emotionally charged and complicated when there are hard-to-value or high-worth assets. Items like art, collectibles, real estate, jewelry, investments, etc., can require a proper valuation before deciding who gets what.
If you have assets that require a special valuation, you need an experienced Greensburg property appraisal lawyer on your side. At Bunde & Roberts, P.C., we have years of experience helping clients get the appraisals they need to protect all their valuable property. We can help ensure you receive a fair distribution at the conclusion of your divorce proceedings. We understand the challenges that couples face when they have hard-to-value assets or a high-net-worth.
Do You Need a Real Estate Appraisal?
If you and your soon-to-be-ex own a home together, the question of ownership will come up before the divorce can be finalized. In many cases, the family home is the most valuable asset in the divorce. It can be a home, a condo or apartment, a mobile home, or a co-op. No matter what, ownership has to be decided if it’s deemed marital property. If one of you gets the home outright, what does the other spouse get in exchange?
It’s typically hard for couples to agree on a home’s value because they are both emotionally attached to it. If the court allows one spouse to have the option to buy the other one out, the purchasing spouse has the incentive to drive down the price as much as possible, while the other spouse wants the highest valuation possible. If you and your spouse cannot agree on your home’s value, then we may need to hire a real estate appraiser or another qualified expert who can provide a fair assessment of your home.
Are Real Estate Appraisals in a Divorce Different from Other Types of Appraisals?
Yes, the appraisal you get for the purchases of property division in a divorce is different than the one you might get to refinance your home. In a divorce, the appraisal is often based on comparable sales. The appraiser looks at your home, notes any unique features, and then compares it against other properties sold in the same or similar housing markets. What the value is in your divorce may not be the same that it’s valued at for tax purposes.
Appraising Other Assets in a Divorce
You may need far more than just a home appraisal for your divorce. We have a great network of professionals we can reach out to in nearly every situation. If you have valuable artwork or antiques, we have specialists who can help value your pieces. Certain collectibles might require someone with specialized knowledge. We can help track a reputable expert down for these scenarios.
Contact a Skilled Greensburg Property Appraisal Lawyer
Don’t attempt to handle your divorce alone, especially if you have difficulty in valuing assets. Let our experienced legal team help. Contact Bunde & Roberts, P.C., today to schedule an initial consultation.