Who Should Select The Appraiser In A Divorce?

Either spouse can locate and hire the appraiser, but the ideal in a divorce is a neutral appraiser that both spouses (or their attorneys) agree on, or, if they cannot agree, an appraiser appointed or approved by the court.

Typical ways an appraiser is selected

One joint appraiser

Both spouses (often through their attorneys) agree on a single neutral real estate appraiser and usually share the fee.

This is common in cooperative or mediated cases because it lowers cost and reduces "dueling value" arguments.

Each party hires their own appraiser

In more contested divorces, each spouse may hire their own licensed appraiser to support their position.

If values differ, the parties, mediator, or judge must decide which is more credible, or may even order a third appraisal.

Court-appointed or court-approved appraiser

If spouses cannot agree on who to use, many courts can appoint an appraiser or approve one proposed by the parties.

The court-appointed appraiser is expected to act as an independent expert for the court, and the fee is often split between spouses.

Who "should" choose from a best-practice standpoint?

Prefer a mutually agreed neutral expert

Family-law firms and valuation experts often recommend that both parties jointly select a single neutral appraiser when possible, because it's more cost-effective and perceived as more objective.

A neutral appraiser's role is to provide a defensible fair market value, not to advocate for either spouse.

Role of attorneys in selection

Divorce and family-law attorneys commonly recommend or vet appraisers, since they know which local professionals are experienced and credible in litigation.

Even if one spouse "finds" the appraiser, both sides should be comfortable with their credentials, neutrality, and experience with divorce work.

How judges look at it

Neutrality and qualifications matter more than who made the first call.

Judges focus on whether the appraiser is independent, USPAP-compliant, and qualified, and whether the report is well-supported, rather than which spouse hired them.

When there are competing appraisals, courts compare methodology, data, and the expert's credentials to decide which opinion to rely on.

Practical guidance for spouses

Aim to jointly select a certified, divorce-experienced real estate appraiser you both trust, and agree in writing to treat them as a neutral expert.

If agreement is impossible, each side can retain their own appraiser, knowing the court may ultimately prefer the most credible, well-supported valuation or appoint its own neutral expert.