Divorce Archives - Appraisal Referral Network

Expert witness work sounds intimidating until you actually do it a few times.

Most of my expert witness assignments are connected to divorce cases. Divorce-related appraisal work makes up roughly 30% to 40% of my business, so family law is where I most often end up testifying. I occasionally handle insurance disputes, partition actions, and other litigation matters, but divorce cases are the most common.

Family law attorneys understand family law. They are not necessarily real estate experts, which is exactly why they hire us.

In most cases, the testimony is fairly straightforward. Before the hearing, I usually help the retaining attorney understand the basic questions they should ask:

What were you hired to do?

What valuation date did you use?

What information did you analyze?

How did you develop your opinion of value?

What was your final value conclusion?

Nothing dramatic. No surprise witness bursting through the courtroom doors. Mostly just explaining the appraisal in clear language.

My most recent case was a little different.

Testifying With a Pro Se Party

This was the first case I can remember where one of the spouses represented himself, also known as appearing pro se.

Because he was not an attorney, his questions were different from what I normally hear during cross-examination. He asked a lot of detailed questions, many of which did not have much effect on the appraisal’s overall credibility or value conclusion.

At the end of the day, the most important facts were fairly simple:

I analyzed six comparable sales. They were located within the subject’s competitive market area. I made adjustments where appropriate. I developed an opinion of value as of a specific effective date.

That is the foundation.

Still, I was on the stand for approximately 30 minutes, which may be the longest I have testified in a single case. The questioning moved into details that usually do not receive much attention.

That was not necessarily a bad thing. It was a good reminder that when you testify, you need to understand more than the final number. You need to be prepared to explain every decision that helped you arrive there.

Good Questions Do Not Always Mean Good Arguments

The opposing attorney raised several thoughtful points while attempting to challenge the appraisal.

Some of my comparable sales were located slightly more than one mile from the subject. He appeared to be suggesting that those sales came from a superior location.

That could have been an effective argument if the areas were actually superior. In this case, they were not. The farther sales were necessary because there were not enough recent and sufficiently similar sales closer to the subject.

The attorney also questioned why some comparable properties were several years newer than the subject.

On the surface, that may sound significant. However, the subject was roughly 50 to 60 years old and located in a neighborhood where many homes were approximately 60 to 70 years old. The comparable sales were generally within about ten years of the subject’s age, had similar effective ages, and had also been updated or remodeled.

A six- or seven-year difference between older homes does not automatically make them dissimilar.

He also compared my opinion of market value to the property’s assessed value, which was considerably lower. Appraisers know that assessed value and market value are not the same thing, but it can still sound persuasive to someone unfamiliar with the distinction.

I appreciated the strategy. He was looking for places where the appraisal might appear inconsistent or weak. That is what opposing counsel is supposed to do.

The lesson is not that these were impossible questions. They were easy to answer. The lesson is that a confident-sounding question can make an ordinary appraisal decision sound suspicious unless you are prepared to explain it.

You Can Only Answer the Question You Are Asked

One challenge during testimony is that you cannot always jump in and correct every implication being made.

For example, opposing counsel appeared to suggest that the locations of certain comparable sales were superior. However, he did not directly ask whether those areas were superior.

That meant I could not simply launch into an explanation about why they were not.

As expert witnesses, our job is to answer the question being asked. We should not argue with the attorney, volunteer unnecessary information, or attempt to take over the hearing.

That can feel unnatural. Appraisers are trained to explain our reasoning, and sometimes we want to immediately correct an assumption. On the witness stand, however, patience matters.

Listen to the full question. Pause. Answer what was asked. Then stop talking.

Silence is not your enemy. Occasionally, it is your best attorney.

The Courtroom Was Not the Stressful Part

Oddly enough, the testimony itself did not make me nervous.

The most stressful part was arriving ten minutes late.

I normally arrive at least 15 minutes early for any hearing or deposition. On this particular day, heavy rain and terrible traffic delayed me. Being late bothered me far more than being questioned on the witness stand.

Once I arrived, I did what I normally do. I stayed friendly, kept a smile on my face, was sworn in, and answered the questions.

Most courtroom testimony is not like television. Opposing counsel is usually not screaming at the expert or pounding on a table. Everyone in this case was professional and respectful.

The attorney’s job was to challenge my work. My job was to calmly explain it.

That is really all expert witness testimony is.

Document What Happened Afterward

One of the most important steps happens after the testimony is finished.

Write a summary of what happened.

I have never automatically received a transcript, recording, or written summary from an attorney after testifying. Unless someone orders a transcript, you may not have a formal record of exactly what was discussed.

As soon as possible after the hearing, document:

The case name and case number

The court and jurisdiction

The judge’s name

The date of your testimony

The attorneys involved

The approximate length of your testimony

The major questions you were asked

Any issues raised about your appraisal

How you answered those questions

Anything you would prepare differently next time

Keep that information with your assignment records.

I also maintain a list of the courts, judges, dates, and matters in which I have testified. That information is then added to my professional CV.

Your expert witness experience has value, but only if you keep track of it.

Expert Witness Work Gets Easier

For appraisers who have never testified, expert witness work can sound much worse than it usually is.

You do need to be prepared. You need to know your report. You need to understand your comparable selection, adjustments, market area, effective date, and final reconciliation.

But you do not need to memorize every line of the appraisal or deliver a dramatic courtroom performance.

Be prepared. Be honest. Stay calm. Answer the question asked.

Once you get a few cases behind you, expert witness work becomes much less intimidating. It may even become an enjoyable part of your appraisal practice, assuming your definition of enjoyable includes sitting in a courthouse while two people argue about a house.

Elite members of the Appraisal Referral Network can access additional micro-lessons and educational resources about expert witness assignments, testimony preparation, and growing litigation-related appraisal work.

One of the best ways to grow a non-lender appraisal business is by developing relationships with family law attorneys and learning how to handle divorce appraisals professionally and compassionately.

Divorce work can be rewarding financially, but appraisers also need to understand that these assignments are very different from traditional lender work. You are often walking directly into one of the most stressful situations a family will ever experience. Emotions are high. Tension is high. Sometimes there are children involved, financial concerns, or uncertainty about whether one spouse can even remain in the marital home.

As appraisers, we are not there to solve the divorce. We are there to provide a credible, independent opinion of market value. But how we handle the process can make a huge difference in helping the situation stay calm and professional.

How Divorce Appraisals Typically Start

For me, divorce assignments usually begin with a referral from a family law attorney I’ve worked with in the past. The attorney refers their client to my office, and then the client reaches out directly to me.

From there, I have the client complete an engagement letter before anything else. This is extremely important in divorce work. Clear expectations upfront can help avoid misunderstandings later regarding fees, intended use, report distribution, testimony, updates, or scheduling issues.

Once the engagement letter is signed, I schedule the inspection.

Sometimes scheduling is easy. Other times, it becomes more complicated because the spouse who hired me no longer has access to the property. In those situations, I often need to get on an email chain with both attorneys to help coordinate access to the home.

If cooperation breaks down completely, the attorneys may need to obtain a court order establishing a date and time for the appraisal inspection.

This is why appraisers entering divorce work need to understand that these assignments often involve more communication and coordination than standard lender appraisals.

What Happens at the Inspection

The inspection itself can also feel very different from traditional appraisal assignments.

I recently completed a divorce appraisal where the husband was my client, but he no longer lived in the home. The wife met me at the property for the inspection.

She was extremely emotional and clearly stressed about the situation. She wasn’t really sure what to expect from the appraisal process or what the value might mean for her future.

Even though she was not technically my client, I still treated her with kindness and compassion.

That’s important in divorce work.

You can still be professional, neutral, and independent while also being a decent human being.

As we walked through the house, she explained how much money she had put into the property after her husband left. She was worried the value would come in too high and that she wouldn’t be able to afford to keep the home.

Obviously, we are not attorneys and should never give legal advice. But I explained from a general perspective that Florida is an equitable distribution state, and issues like post-separation contributions are typically matters for the attorneys and judge to address during settlement negotiations or trial.

I also helped ease her anxiety by explaining the appraisal process itself.

I explained that the valuation would primarily be based on comparable sales in the neighborhood and overall market data. I pointed out that while the property was in good condition, it still had items like an original roof and original windows that would be considered by the market.

Sometimes simply explaining the process calmly helps diffuse tension.

Appraisers Need More Than Technical Skills

One thing appraisers quickly learn about divorce work is that these assignments require more than just valuation knowledge.

In many ways, you almost need to put on a counselor hat during these inspections.

That doesn’t mean taking sides.
That doesn’t mean offering legal advice.
And it definitely doesn’t mean disclosing confidential information from your client.

But it does mean understanding that the people standing in front of you are often going through one of the hardest periods of their lives.

A little professionalism, patience, compassion, and communication can go a very long way.

My Advice for Appraisers Entering Divorce Work

If you want to pursue divorce assignments, here are a few important things to remember:

Always use a strong engagement letter
Clearly define intended use and intended users
Understand who your client is
Be prepared for scheduling and access issues
Stay neutral and independent at all times
Never disclose confidential client communications
Be compassionate and professional during inspections
Understand that emotions may be high
Communicate clearly with attorneys and clients
Keep the process calm and organized

Divorce appraisals are not always easy assignments, but they can become an excellent niche within a non-lender appraisal business.

And if you want to grow your non-lender business, divorce work is a perfect way to do that.

To learn more about non-lender work, networking, referrals, and growing your appraisal business, check out the Appraisal Referral Network at ReferAppraisals.com. We offer both free and paid memberships depending on your needs, and we’d love for you to join a community of over 1,600 appraisers looking to grow their non-lender business.

A large portion of my private work involves divorce assignments. Sometimes I’m retained before mediation. Sometimes after mediation fails. Sometimes one spouse is buying the other out. Sometimes the mediator or both attorneys jointly retain me. Every case looks a little different.

But the dynamic is always the same:

Emotions are high. Trust is low. And every detail matters.

Recently, I completed two appraisals for a divorcing couple — a primary residence and a condo. Both parties and their attorneys hired me jointly. At each inspection, I did what I always do: measure the property, document the condition, and then ask questions.

What improvements were made?
When were they completed?
Any known deficiencies?
Ages of major components?

And I made it clear: the same questions I’m asking you, I’m asking your spouse.

Not because I suspect anything specific — but because in litigation work, you have to verify everything. Assume nothing. Confirm everything.

If someone tells me the roof is new, I check permits.
If they say the bathroom was remodeled “a couple years ago,” I check prior MLS history.
If they claim the HVAC was recently replaced, I look at the serial numbers and manufacturer dates.

In divorce work, information can be incomplete, exaggerated, minimized — or just remembered incorrectly. Your job isn’t to accept statements at face value. Your job is to gather facts, cross-check them, and report what you can support.

Here’s where this gets interesting.

This couple also owned an out-of-state property that I did not appraise. The wife believed that appraisal came in significantly low. Maybe it did. Maybe it didn’t. I have no opinion on that report.

But what stuck with me was what she said:

“The appraiser up there never asked me anything. He only spoke to my husband.”

That’s all it took.

Now there’s doubt. In her mind, something feels off. Whether the appraisal was solid or not no longer matters. The perception of imbalance created suspicion.

That’s the lesson.

When you are hired jointly, you must operate transparently and inclusively. Speak with both parties. Ask both parties the same questions. Even if only one is technically your point of contact. Even if only one is present at inspection.

And here’s something important for appraisers to understand:

There is nothing improper about asking a non-client spouse about property improvements when they are present. You are not disclosing confidential information. You are gathering factual data about the property. That is entirely appropriate — especially when both parties are intended users.

Silence creates suspicion. Transparency builds credibility.

Divorce appraisals are not just about valuation theory. They are about process management. You are stepping into a legal dispute. The way you communicate is just as important as the number you conclude.

If one party feels excluded, even unintentionally, you risk undermining the trust in your report — even if your analysis is airtight.

So here’s the takeaway:

If the assignment is joint, act joint.
If both spouses are present, speak to both.
If you ask one about improvements, ask the other.
Verify everything. Document everything.

In litigation work, perception matters almost as much as support.

If you’re looking to grow your private work — whether that’s divorce, estate, probate, or other litigation-related niches — consider joining the Appraisal Referral Network.

Inside, we provide micro-lessons, real-world strategies, and step-by-step guidance on building a sustainable non-lender business. Private work isn’t just about higher fees. It’s about positioning, process, and professionalism.

If you want to expand into these niches the right way, we’ll help you get there.

Visit ReferAppraisals.com to learn more and become part of the network.

Divorce is one of the most emotionally and financially stressful events people go through. The house is often the biggest asset involved, and it quickly becomes the centerpiece of the entire case.

A recent consumer-facing article, “Five Home Questions to Ask During Divorce” by Taylor Getler, lays out the exact questions homeowners are wrestling with when a marriage ends. While the article is aimed at divorcing homeowners and real estate agents, it also serves as a roadmap for appraisers who want more divorce and family law work.

If you read between the lines, the message is clear. People are not just asking, “What is my house worth?” They are really asking, “What does this mean for my future?”

That is where a good appraiser becomes a critical resource, not just a form filler.

The Real Pain Points Behind Divorce Appraisals

Divorcing homeowners are dealing with uncertainty on multiple fronts at the same time. The article highlights five core questions, and every one of them connects directly to appraisal services.

Do I keep the house or sell it?

This is rarely a simple financial question. Emotions, children, timing, and fear all play a role. Appraisers help bring clarity by establishing a defensible value that both sides can rely on when deciding whether keeping the home is realistic or whether selling is the cleaner exit.

What is the home actually worth?

This is the linchpin of almost every divorce case involving real estate. Buyouts, equity splits, mediation, and settlement discussions all depend on a credible opinion of value. A neutral, well-supported appraisal often prevents disputes from dragging on or ending up in court.

Can one spouse qualify on their own?

While appraisers are not lenders, value directly impacts refinance options, loan-to-value ratios, and feasibility. A realistic appraisal keeps expectations grounded and prevents one party from chasing an outcome that is not financially viable.

Can they afford the home long term?

Divorce often turns a two-income household into one. Appraisers who understand market conditions, property condition issues, and future maintenance concerns can provide insight that helps attorneys and clients evaluate whether keeping the home is a smart decision or an emotional one.

What about the kids?

When children are involved, decisions get heavier. Sometimes a sale is delayed. Sometimes equity payouts are deferred. In these cases, retrospective appraisals, agreed-upon values, or future valuation planning become part of the strategy. Appraisers who understand these dynamics become trusted professionals to attorneys and mediators.

Where Appraisers Fit In (And Why This Is Not “Another Appraisal”)

Divorce work is not lender work. Nobody cares about hitting page limits or checking boxes for underwriting. They care about clarity, credibility, and defensibility.

This is where appraisers can stand out by:

-Explaining the valuation process in plain English

-Remaining neutral and professional when emotions run high

-Providing clear support for adjustments and conclusions

-Understanding the legal context without practicing law

-Being responsive and reliable when timelines matter

When an appraisal helps a case settle faster, everyone remembers who provided it.

How Appraisers Can Position Themselves as a Resource

If you want more divorce work, stop marketing yourself as “an appraiser” and start positioning yourself as a solution during a difficult time.

That means:

-Educating family law attorneys on how appraisal can help support settlement

-Letting mediators know you understand neutral assignments

-Explaining to clients how value impacts buyouts, refinances, and sales

-Being comfortable with retrospective and date-of-separation valuations

-Showing empathy without taking sides

You do not need to be flashy. You need to be calm, competent, and credible.

Divorcing homeowners are overwhelmed. Attorneys want cases resolved. Judges want clean, supported opinions. Everyone wants fewer surprises.

A solid appraisal can become the anchor point that allows a divorce case to move forward.

If appraisers understand the why behind the assignment, not just the scope, they stop being a cost in the process and start being part of the solution.

That is how divorce work finds you. And once it does, it tends to stick.

If you want to do more divorce and non-lender work like this, consider joining the Appraisal Referral Network. We have a free membership with lots of benefits and if you wanted even more we have a paid membership option which gives you access to 30+ short, practical micro-lessons, covering topics like divorce, private work, and working with attorneys. It’s designed to help appraisers understand assignments like this and grow a more stable non-lender business without guessing their way through it.

Last week, I got a call about a divorce appraisal.

Straightforward assignment. 1,800 square foot home, lots of recent comps, nothing unusual. I quoted my usual fee which is on the higher side for my market for family law appraisals. The woman on the phone paused and said, “Wow, you’re cheap.”

That surprised me. I’m not usually the cheapest. I’m not the most expensive either, usually on the higher side, if anything. Then she said, “The first company I called quoted me double your price and then some.”

For this property? That didn’t make sense. So I checked everything again. Still a basic, cookie-cutter home. No red flags. How could they be double my fee, no way. Then she said:

“I’m buying out my spouse, and I want the appraisal to come in as low as possible. That company told me they usually come in low on divorce appraisals in situations like this. Do you do the same?”

And that’s when it clicked. My gut feeling was that the quote wasn’t just high. It felt strategic. Like the fee wasn’t just for the report, but for a specific result. I couldn’t help but wonder: Was she being sold a low value for a higher than typical fee? I don’t really know, just speculation on my part.

Like I have done many times before with other clients. I explained to her, clearly, that’s not how this profession works. Appraisers are supposed to be independent, impartial and objective. I told her I don’t care if the appraisal benefits her or her spouse. I care that it’s supportable, market-based, and defensible in court. And if an appraiser is advertising that they’ll “usually come in low” when it helps the client? That’s a huge red flag.

I asked her if she wanted to schedule and she said she’d call me back. Well, she did. She ended up calling me again and we now have the appointment scheduled in a couple of weeks. Looks like she decided to pay for true market value and not the lowest value!

This is why we, as appraisers, need to ask the right questions up front. Divorce and other legal appraisals often come with expectations. Some clients don’t understand our role. Others know exactly what they’re asking for, and hope we’ll play along.

That’s your moment to hold the line. Say no to pressure. Say no to being “the low appraiser” or “the high appraiser.” Say no to turning your credibility into a commodity. Because the second you bend, you break. And once your reputation’s gone, there’s no invoice big enough to buy it back.

Want to grow your appraisal business with solid, ethical work? Join the Appraisal Referral Network at referappraisals.com. We’re helping appraisers land real work, earn referral income, and build sustainable businesses, no shady shortcuts required.

Last Monday, January 6th, marked “Divorce Day,” the unofficial start of divorce season. This time of year sees a noticeable uptick in divorce filings and consultations with family law attorneys. The reasons for this phenomenon are multifaceted: Many individuals use New Year’s resolutions as a chance for a fresh start, addressing unresolved marital issues or pursuing happiness outside of strained relationships. Others delay initiating divorce proceedings to avoid disrupting the holiday season for their families. Year-end financial and tax planning also play a role, as many people wait until January to begin the divorce process. Additionally, the new year serves as a psychological marker for change, motivating individuals to take action on decisions they’ve been contemplating. As an appraiser, understanding these trends can help you prepare for and capitalize on this busy season.

Building a niche in private appraisal work is crucial for growing your business, and divorce appraisals offer a unique opportunity. Over the years, I’ve found this niche to be my specialty, with divorce-related assignments accounting for over 30% of my appraisal work in 2024. These assignments are often needed when one spouse is buying out the other’s share of the marital home, when the home’s value becomes central to settling the case, or when the home was a premarital asset and multiple valuation dates are required. I’m typically hired either before mediation, to help parties reach a settlement, or after mediation, when disputes about the home’s value remain unresolved.

To succeed in the divorce niche, you need to understand the divorce process so you can communicate confidently with family law attorneys. Mastering the nuances of divorce-specific appraisals, including appropriate forms and how to handle assumptions and hypothetical conditions, is essential for ensuring your work is credible and defensible. Be prepared for challenges, such as clients stretching the truth to achieve their desired outcomes, and have a plan for maintaining integrity and professionalism in these situations.

Building strong relationships with family law attorneys is key to success in this niche. Most of my divorce appraisal work comes from attorney referrals. To build similar relationships, network proactively by sending emails, making calls, and scheduling coffee meetings to introduce yourself and your services. Once you’ve established a relationship with one attorney, they’re likely to refer you to others. Additionally, optimize your online presence by advertising divorce appraisal services on your website and leveraging Google to attract clients. When a spouse hires you, it’s also an excellent opportunity to connect with their attorney.

A common concern among appraisers is the possibility of their work being scrutinized in court. However, only a small percentage of divorce appraisals end up in court. Even if it happens, remember that you are the expert—your appraisal knowledge surpasses that of family law attorneys. Preparation is key: be thorough in your work and confident in presenting your findings to excel in court if called to testify.

Appraisers, the busy season for divorce appraisals is here. Embracing this niche is a fantastic way to diversify your business. If you’re looking for guidance, join the Appraisal Referral Network at ReferAppraisals.com. We offer both free and paid memberships to support your growth. Sign up today and receive a free engagement letter template and our “10 Steps to Grow a Non-Lender Business” guide—yours free just for joining. Don’t miss out on these valuable resources to elevate your appraisal business. Visit ReferAppraisals.com now and take the first step toward success. Prepare now and take advantage of the opportunities divorce season brings!

I recently worked on an appraisal for the marital home in a divorce case. This referral came from a family law attorney I collaborate with regularly. My client, the husband, planned to keep the house and buy out the wife’s share. The wife had already obtained an appraisal, and the husband wanted one to confirm its accuracy. It seemed straightforward: a simple ranch with plenty of comparable sales. However, I encountered an issue that surfaces from time to time—the client lied.

Private appraisals often carry the same pressure and external influences as lender work, just in different forms. In both cases, clients or third parties may attempt to influence the outcome to achieve their desired numbers. In lender work, it’s typically a seller or listing agent pushing to meet the sale price. In this case, the husband wanted the appraisal to come in as low as possible, reducing the amount he’d have to pay his wife in the buyout. Understanding client motivations is crucial in divorce appraisals: one party wants a high valuation to maximize their payout, while the other seeks a low number to minimize theirs. But how do you handle it when a client lies to manipulate the outcome—and you catch them in the act?

In this instance, I noticed water damage on the ceiling in the family room and breakfast area. When I asked the husband about it, he claimed the flat and main roof were nearly 20 years old and needed replacement. As part of my standard process, I reviewed available permits, which showed the roof had been replaced only two years ago. Initially, I thought this might be an error, but to confirm, I reviewed year-over-year aerial photos—a tool easily accessible through the county appraiser’s office. The photos clearly showed the roof had been replaced, with a visible color change, which was further corroborated by the assessor’s photos.

When I reported my findings to the client, he was almost speechless, claiming he didn’t remember replacing the roof. (I thought to myself, who forgets spending $20,000 on a roof just two years ago?) He reluctantly admitted that if the permit stated so, it must be accurate. His motivations were evident from the start. During the observation, he had insisted I classify the home as a two-bedroom, even though half the family room had been converted into a functional third bedroom with a door, window, closet, and appropriate layout. He justified this by saying he would remove the third bedroom after the divorce. His attempt to lower the appraisal value by claiming the roof needed replacement was unsurprising given this context.

When information cannot be verified, disclosure is key. For example, if a client tells me a home has foundation issues but provides no evidence, I include a statement in the report: “Ms. Smith indicated the home had foundation issues. No reports or repair bids were provided to support this claim. The appraiser is not qualified to determine foundation issues, and the report is subject to an inspection by a qualified third party.” I have no hesitation making a report subject to an inspection when necessary. In this particular appraisal, I didn’t mention the husband’s false claim about the roof. Instead, I stated the permits showed it had been replaced two years prior. Regarding the bedroom issue, I reported it as a two-bedroom home converted into three bedrooms.

With any type of assignment, the approach of trusting and verifying works well. If you’d like to learn more about private appraisal work and scenarios like this, the Appraisal Referral Network offers over 25 lessons. You can also unlock opportunities by connecting with colleagues, exchanging referrals, and growing your non-lender business. Visit ReferAppraisals.com to explore free and paid memberships tailored to your needs. Unlock your potential by connecting with other appraisers today!

Eighty percent of my business comes from non-lender work, and about 30% of that is related to divorces. While the diversification away from lender-based appraisals is beneficial, it also brings its own set of challenges. Sometimes, these cases can be emotionally taxing, and other times, they require you to provide more than just professional expertise—sometimes, you need to offer emotional support. That’s what I want to talk about today.

When I was a member of the National Association of Divorce Professionals, I learned a lot about the divorce process. One key takeaway was understanding how the brain works under stress and how to handle clients going through such intense situations. This knowledge has been invaluable because I often see these scenarios play out with my clients.

A few weeks ago, I met with a woman in her mid-50s going through a divorce. Her husband had moved out, and she shared with me that they had been married for over 25 years. She discovered through her Ring camera that her husband was bringing another woman to their home while she was away. This woman turned out to be his childhood girlfriend, with whom he had reconnected and had secretly been giving money to for years. By the time she got to this part of the story, she was in tears and visibly distraught. At that moment, my role as an appraiser took a backseat, and I had to be there as a supportive listener. All you can do in such situations is be present and let the client express their emotions until they’re ready to proceed.

It’s heartbreaking to hear these stories, and it can be tough to separate your feelings from your professional responsibilities. However, it’s crucial to remain impartial when determining the property’s value. It’s okay to empathize with a client, but you must set aside those emotions when providing an objective appraisal.

Despite the emotional challenges, I find divorce appraisals rewarding because they can bring resolution to a difficult situation. For many, the home is the most significant asset, and knowing its actual value—not relying on estimates from sites like Zillow or Redfin—can help expedite settlements. I’ve seen couples argue throughout my time at a property, witnessed a spouse physically assault the other, and, most painfully, seen families with young children go through the distress of divorce. While the diversity of non-lender work is valuable, it certainly comes with its own unique challenges.

If you’re interested in learning more about private appraisals and divorce assignments, consider joining the Appraisal Referral Network at ReferAppraisals.com. We offer both free and paid memberships, and it’s a great way to connect with fellow appraisers and grow your expertise in this niche field.

Daniel Lindeman

Appraisal Referral Network