The end of a marriage or de facto relationship is rarely easy. Alongside the personal challenges, separating couples often face important financial decisions about how their property, possessions and debts should be divided. Having an accurate and independent valuation of significant assets is one of the most important steps in achieving a fair and informed property settlement.
When parties are able to agree on the value of their assets, negotiations can often progress more smoothly. Where agreement cannot be reached following dispute resolution, an application may be made to the Court for financial or property orders, including orders relating to the division of property and, where appropriate, spouse or de facto partner maintenance. Under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), the Court considers the assets and liabilities of both parties, individually and jointly, together with what those assets are worth when determining a property settlement.
This makes professional asset valuation an important part of many family law matters. A well prepared valuation provides an independent opinion of market value supported by recognised methodology, market evidence and professional judgement. Rather than relying on assumptions or online estimates, both parties can make decisions based on credible information prepared by an experienced valuation professional.
Every family law matter is different. Some involve residential contents or motor vehicles, while others include fine art, jewellery, antiques, collectables, marine craft, aircraft, business assets, rare books and coins, and other unique property. Many of these assets require knowledge of niche markets and cannot be accurately assessed without specialist expertise.
The Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia (AVAA) has seen a growing number of enquiries from individuals, family lawyers, mediators and other advisers seeking the services of an AVAA Certified Valuer (CVAu). This increasing demand reflects the confidence placed in independent valuers who have demonstrated professional competency and who undertake valuations in accordance with recognised professional standards.
An AVAA Certified Valuer (CVAu) is committed to preparing valuation reports that are thorough, transparent and capable of withstanding professional scrutiny. The AVAA Professional Standards establish clear expectations for valuation methodology, inspection requirements, market research, reporting and ethical conduct. This gives clients greater confidence that the valuation has been prepared using a consistent and defensible framework.
For family lawyers, a valuation provided by a certified valuer can provide a reliable foundation for negotiations, mediation and, where necessary, Court proceedings. For separating couples, it can help reduce disagreement by providing an objective assessment prepared by someone who has no personal interest in the outcome. While a valuation cannot remove the emotional aspects of separation, it can assist everyone involved to focus on the facts.
Choosing a suitably qualified valuer is particularly important where high value or unique assets are involved. Specialist markets often experience limited sales activity, making valuation more complex than simply comparing advertised prices. Professional judgement, supported by appropriate market evidence, is essential to producing a reliable opinion of value. This is where the work of certified valuers is important.
As Australia’s leading professional body representing valuers and auctioneers, AVAA is committed to promoting excellence in valuation practice. Through education, certification and the AVAA Professional Standards, the Association supports a network of trusted certified valuers working across a diverse range of asset classes throughout Australia.
If you need an independent family law valuation, property settlement valuation or asset valuation for divorce or separation, choosing an AVAA Certified Valuer (CVAu) provides confidence that your valuation has been prepared by a professional committed to recognised standards, integrity and high quality valuation practice. As demand for trusted valuers continues to grow, more individuals and legal professionals are turning to AVAA Certified Valuers to provide the independent expertise that family law matters deserve.
.
.
Interested In Finding Out More?
If you need assistance in sourcing an AVAA Certified Valuer (CVAu) for family law matters, send an email to valuation.request@avaa.com.au or telephone 1300 928 165. You can also stay up to date by following AVAA on LinkedIn, X/Twitter and Facebook.
.
