For a divorce-related appraisal, ask for a document checklist tailored to the asset and effective date. Real estate, business interests and personal property can require different specialists; a home appraisal does not include all of them.
Case basics to provide
Confirm the required effective date with your attorney. Some assignments require a retrospective value rather than today’s value.The party/attorney contact info, property access details, and any court instructions that affect scope (for example, needing a report suitable for court and potential testimony).Real estate (home/land)
Proof of ownership: deed/title documents (and, if relevant, purchase/closing paperwork).Ask whether any debt or encumbrance records are needed for the agreed scope; mortgage balance and property value are different questions.Government/assessment records: property tax bills/assessments.Value and condition support: prior appraisals (if any) and records of home improvements/renovations (contracts, receipts, permits, before/after details).If it’s a rental property: current lease agreements (and, if available, rent roll/income documentation) so the appraiser can understand how the property is used.Business interests (business valuation)
A business-valuation specialist may request relevant financial statements, budgets and forecasts.Ask the business-valuation specialist which tax filings, if any, are relevant to the assignment.Ownership/structure documents: formation documents (e.g., Articles of Incorporation), operating/partnership agreements, buy-sell agreements, shareholder lists/classes of shares.Ask which cash-flow or loan records are needed and how to provide them securely.Prior indicators of value: any previous valuations, offers to buy/sell, or transaction documents involving ownership interests.Personal property (jewelry, art, collectibles, vehicles)
Any prior appraisals, purchase receipts, and other supporting paperwork for significant personal property (antiques, collectibles, jewelry, art, etc.).For high-value items, clear photos and any provenance/insurance schedules can help a specialist appraiser identify the exact item being valued (and reduce disputes over condition or authenticity).Identify what is being appraised and whether a current or past effective date is needed. Confirm the checklist and specialist before sharing sensitive documents.