When You Need Multiple Valuation Expert Witnesses: A Practical Guide

When Multiple Experts Are Needed

Multi-expert valuation cases arise whenever a dispute involves assets requiring different professional disciplines. Common scenarios include:

• Complex divorce with business interests and property (forensic accountant + RICS surveyor)
• M&A dispute with IP and equipment (business valuer + IP valuer + plant valuer)
• Estate dispute with property, business, and art (RICS surveyor + forensic accountant + art valuer)
• Insurance claim with plant and specialist assets (plant valuer + specialist asset valuer)

Coordinating Evidence

When multiple valuation experts are instructed, ensure consistent valuation dates, assumptions, and treatment of interdependent assets. For example, in a matrimonial case, the business valuer and property valuer should use the same valuation date and the business valuer should be aware of property values used in the NAV calculation.

Joint Meetings Across Disciplines

CPR Part 35 joint expert meetings typically occur within each discipline separately. However, where asset values are interdependent (business value including property assets), consider whether a cross-disciplinary discussion is needed to resolve inconsistencies before reports are finalised.

Cost Management

Multiple experts increase costs significantly. Prioritise the asset classes with the highest value at stake and greatest area of dispute. Consider whether a single joint expert can be agreed for less contentious asset classes, reserving separate experts for the primary areas of disagreement.

Court Directions

In matrimonial proceedings, courts frequently direct a single joint expert for each asset class. In commercial litigation, each party typically instructs their own expert per discipline. Early case management discussion of expert requirements saves costs and avoids late applications for additional expert evidence.