Divorce & Matrimonial Valuation Expert Witness UK

Divorce and matrimonial valuation expert witnesses provide independent opinions on the value of matrimonial assets for financial remedy proceedings under the Family Procedure Rules. Complex financial remedy cases frequently require multiple valuation experts: a forensic accountant for business interests and a RICS surveyor for property are the most common combination.

Courts often direct a single joint expert for each asset class separately. Property in financial remedy proceedings is valued at open market value as at the relevant date, typically the date of the FDR hearing or final hearing. RICS Red Book standards apply and the expert must comply with FPR Part 25.

Personal goodwill is a critical issue in matrimonial business valuations. The expert must distinguish between personal goodwill (attached to the individual spouse, not transferable) and business goodwill (transferable to a buyer, has market value). Multi-asset matrimonial cases involving business interests, property, art, and chattels may require three or more valuation experts across different disciplines.