Appraisal Services

Divorce & Separation Appraisals in Milton

Separating is a difficult time, and few decisions carry as much weight as what happens with the family home. A neutral, independent opinion of its value gives both people a clear, fair starting point — one that isn't tilted toward either side — so the conversation can move forward on solid footing.

Independent & Impartial

A neutral valuation of the matrimonial home

In a separation, the value of the home should not favour one party over the other. Our role is to arrive at an accurate, well-supported opinion of value — nothing more and nothing less.

We work for the value

The appraiser is not an advocate for either spouse. The analysis is driven by comparable sales and the property's own characteristics, not by what either party might prefer the number to be.

Engaged jointly or by counsel

We can be retained jointly by both parties, or by one party's lawyer. Either way, the approach and the standard of analysis are the same — a fair, independent opinion of value.

A clear, documented opinion

You receive a written report explaining how the value was reached, the comparable sales relied on, and the effective date of value, so the basis for the figure is transparent to everyone involved.

Effective Date of Value

Current or retrospective values

Separation matters don't always turn on today's value. Depending on the circumstances, an earlier effective date may be what's needed — and we can prepare the appraisal accordingly.

  • Current value — an opinion of what the home is worth as of today, based on recent comparable sales.
  • Date of marriage — a retrospective value as of an earlier date, when that starting point is relevant to the matter.
  • Date of separation — a value as of the date the parties separated, drawing on sales from around that time.
  • Well-supported either way — for a past date, we analyse the market as it stood then rather than applying today's conditions backward.

How It Helps

Supporting a fair division of property

An independent opinion of value gives everyone the same reference point. It is used by individuals, family lawyers, and mediators as they work toward a fair division of the matrimonial home.

For individuals

Whether you plan to sell the home, buy out your spouse, or be bought out, a credible value helps you understand your position before decisions are made.

For family lawyers

An independent appraisal gives counsel a clear, documented opinion of value to work from as they advise their client and negotiate on their behalf.

For mediators

A single, neutral value that both parties can look at helps keep the discussion focused on reaching a fair outcome rather than on the number itself.

Common Questions

Questions about separation appraisals

Can one appraisal be used by both spouses?

Yes. We can be retained jointly by both parties, in which case a single independent appraisal serves as a shared reference point. Because the appraiser is impartial and works only toward an accurate value, one report can give both people the same starting figure.

Can you value the home as of a past date, like our separation date?

Yes. This is called a retrospective appraisal. We can estimate the home's value as of an earlier effective date — for example, the date of marriage or the date of separation — by analysing comparable sales from around that time rather than today's market.

Do you speak with our lawyers?

We can. When one party's counsel engages us, or when both parties agree, we're glad to coordinate on the details of the assignment — such as the property, the effective date of value, and how the report is delivered — so everyone is working from the same information.

Is the appraiser impartial?

Yes. Impartiality is central to this kind of assignment. The appraiser does not advocate for either spouse; the opinion of value is based on comparable sales and the property itself, so the result is fair to both sides regardless of who arranged the appraisal.

Residential appraisal services are completed through Crownfield Valuation Group Inc. by qualified appraisers with professional appraisal designations that may include CRA, P.App., AACI, P.App., and DAR, as applicable to the assignment.

Request a separation appraisal

Tell us about the property and the reason for the valuation, and we'll confirm the scope and provide a quote.