Family Law Appraisal “package”

[C&L]

Greetings,

Several years ago I was chatting with a family law attorney and I asked about how their firm hired appraisers, typically for divorce purposes. I know some attorneys leave it completely up to their clients.

He said their firm hired one appraiser in particular because he would put together an “appraisal legal package” which made it easier for them. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any further details and no longer have contact with this attorney.

I want to start marketing towards attorneys. I’m looking for advice on how I should position my marketing letter beyond “I have a license to do an appraisal”.

Is there any added value to a law firm when submitting your appraisal?

Any idea what he meant by this “appraisal legal package”?

Any other specific buzz words, key aspects, features that would gather the attention of an attorney with a marketing letter?

Thank you!

 

[Bruce Hahn]

Any other specific buzz words, key aspects, features that would gather the attention of an attorney with a marketing letter?

/QUOTE]

Search the web for divorce law California. You will find lots of information that will drive appraisal needs for family law matters. Understanding "Moore Marsden" and "Watts" will be important. One determines dates of value that will be important and the other rental values as they relate to matters of dissolution. You need to understand enough about these cases to be able to develop an appropriate scope of work for divorce assignments. What really matters is that you can provide a solid valuation and that you are able to clearly explain your work if it becomes necessary in court. Experience is great to emphasize if you have it. Include your qualifications or "CV" as attorneys will call it. CPAs and realtors are other good sources to market to for divorce and estate work. Good luck!

 

[Howard Klahr]

I’m looking for advice on how I should position my marketing letter beyond “I have a license to do an appraisal”.

Do you have experience being an expert witness? If so, highlight it. If not, take classes and read texts related to this specialized area.

Know that the typical lending forms are NOT appropriate for this type of assignment. Also that the definition of value that references FIRREA and the Comptroller of the Currency is not the correct one to use Assignments of this type will comprise not only contemporary valuations but also retrospective dates.

In terms of identifying attorneys for this type of work, you can access your state bar association and look for those that specialize in Family Law. Obviously, other specialties that would have needs for valuation include estate law, bankruptcy, land use, real estate, etc. These categories have slightly different needs and require some other variants on valuation knowledge/skills, but you get the general idea.

Keep in mind that the scrutiny your work may undergo is far more intense than that of typical lending assignments and you'll need to be prepared to properly respond to challenges to your analysis.