Estate & Trust Appraisals
IRS-compliant valuations for estate settlement, trust administration, and probate proceedings.
USPAP compliant
Divorce Appraisals
USPAP CompliantCourt-Ready
Neutral valuations for
equitable division.
Independent, defensible property valuations for Texas community property division. Narrative appraisal reports with court-ready exhibits. Expert testimony available.
$800
Starting fee
10
Business day turnaround
100%
Court-defensible methodology
What This Is
An independent opinion of value for property division
In a Texas divorce, community property must be divided in a “just and right” manner. The marital home is often the largest asset on the table. A certified appraisal provides the neutral, independent value both parties and the court need to divide assets fairly.
Unlike a Zillow estimate or a real estate agent’s opinion, a USPAP-compliant appraisal carries legal weight. It documents the methodology, comparable sales, and adjustments behind the final value — all in a narrative Appraisal Report format designed for litigation.
When You Need One
Common scenarios
A divorce appraisal is needed any time real property value is in question during marital dissolution proceedings.
Community Property Division
Texas is a community property state. Courts require an independent valuation to achieve a just and right division of marital assets.
Contested Value Disputes
When spouses disagree on what the house is worth, a certified appraisal provides the neutral, third-party opinion the court relies on.
Buyout Negotiations
One spouse keeping the home needs a defensible value to calculate the equity owed. An appraisal removes guesswork from that number.
Multiple Property Portfolios
Couples with rental properties, second homes, or land need each asset valued independently for equitable distribution.
Our Process
How it works
From engagement to testimony, every step is designed for transparency and defensibility.
1
Engagement & Scope
We discuss the property, valuation date (typically as close to trial date as possible), and any court-specific requirements. You receive a written engagement letter confirming scope and fee.
2
Property Inspection
A thorough interior and exterior inspection documents the property's condition, features, and any deferred maintenance. Both parties are welcome to be present or absent.
3
Market Analysis & Valuation
We analyze comparable sales, market conditions, and property-specific factors using the sales comparison and cost approaches. Every adjustment is documented and defensible.
4
Narrative Report Delivery
You receive a USPAP-compliant narrative Appraisal Report with clear commentary, supported adjustments, and court-ready exhibits. We stand behind the opinion with testimony if needed.
What You Get
Court-ready deliverables
Every divorce appraisal includes a comprehensive narrative report designed to withstand scrutiny from opposing counsel, the court, and any reviewing appraiser.
- USPAP-compliant narrative Appraisal Report
- Detailed comparable sales analysis with supported adjustments
- Property condition documentation with photographs
- Court-ready exhibits and professional formatting
- Complete workfile for audit-readiness
- Expert testimony availability upon request
Pricing & Turnaround
Transparent fees
Final quotes depend on property complexity, location, and timeline requirements.
starting
$800
Single-Family Residence
Full interior/exterior inspection, narrative report with court-ready exhibits
10 business days or less
quote
Custom
Complex or Multi-Property
Multiple properties, acreage, or unique improvements requiring additional analysis
10 business days or less
FAQ
Common questions
Answers to the questions we hear most from attorneys and divorcing homeowners.
What date is the property valued as of in a Texas divorce?
Texas courts generally value community property as of the date of divorce (the trial date) or as close to it as possible. Courts have discretion to select the appropriate valuation date based on the circumstances. Your attorney can confirm the specific date the court requires.
What type of report do you prepare for divorce cases?
We prepare a narrative Appraisal Report as defined by USPAP. This is not the same as a 1004/URAR form used in mortgage lending. The narrative format provides the detailed commentary, exhibits, and methodology explanation that courts expect to see.
Can both spouses use the same appraiser?
Yes. As a certified appraiser, our role is to provide a neutral, independent opinion of value regardless of who orders the appraisal. The valuation is the same whether one party or both parties engage us. Many attorneys prefer a single neutral appraiser to reduce litigation costs.
Can you testify in court about your appraisal?
Yes. Expert testimony is available upon request. We can explain the methodology, comparable selection, adjustments, and final value opinion to the court in clear, understandable terms. Testimony fees are quoted separately.
How is a divorce appraisal different from a lender appraisal?
A lender appraisal uses the Fannie Mae 1004 form and is designed for mortgage underwriting. A divorce appraisal uses a narrative Appraisal Report format with more detailed commentary, legal-quality exhibits, and analysis tailored to the court's requirements. The level of documentation and explanation is significantly more thorough.
What if the property has been modified since separation?
We can value the property in its current condition or, if the court requires, as of a specific past date. Retrospective valuations require additional research into market conditions at the effective date. Let your attorney know the preferred approach and we will scope accordingly.
Related Services
You may also need
Also available
Need a listing agent during or after the divorce?
Kory is also a licensed Texas real estate sales agent sponsored by Compass RE Texas, LLC. See his brokerage practice for representation in listing or buying through the settlement.
See Compass practice
Need a divorce appraisal?
Tell us about the property and we’ll confirm scope, fee, and turnaround within one business day.