Divorce Services

Home and property appraisals in divorce

A licensed appraiser gives a formal opinion of value, which matters when one spouse keeps the home or value is disputed.

What this professional does

A real estate appraiser provides an independent written opinion of a property's value as of a specific date. In divorce it is used for buyouts, equalising payments and resolving disagreements about what the home is worth.

Appraisers are different from real estate agents. An agent's comparative market analysis is a sales tool; a licensed appraiser's report follows professional standards and is more often relied on when value is contested. Other assets, such as businesses, art or vehicles, need different specialists.

When to seek this help

  • One spouse is buying out the other's share of the home.
  • The spouses disagree about value.
  • Your attorney needs a value as of a particular date.
  • Rental or investment property is part of the estate.

How to prepare

  • Property address, legal description and recent tax bill.
  • A list of improvements, with dates and costs if possible.
  • Access arrangements agreed between spouses.
  • The valuation date your attorney wants used.

Questions to ask before hiring

  • What is your California appraiser license number and level?
  • Have you prepared appraisals for family law matters or testified?
  • Would you act as a joint neutral for both spouses?
  • What is the fee and turnaround time?

Checking qualifications

  • Verify the appraiser's license with the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers.
  • For business or personal property valuations, ask what credential applies and confirm it with the issuer.

Limits of this role

  • An appraisal is an opinion as of a date. Markets move.
  • The appraiser does not decide how equity is divided. That is a legal question.

Providers & resources to explore

External organization listed for information only. No endorsement, partnership or referral. Checked on its official website on November 6, 2026; confirm qualifications, availability and local service directly.

  • KO Appraisal, Kevin O'Brien (Provider): Residential and commercial valuations across San Diego County, including divorce appraisals. Official website. Business website contact; no walk-in office verified: 760-516-1332. Official divorce appraisal services. California Certified General license 3005065 — check current record. Confirm current credential status, property coverage, fees, valuation date and report requirements. This listing does not establish current active licensure or court acceptance. Source checked 2026-11-06.
  • Advanced Real Estate Appraisal, Don Lowe (Provider): Residential appraisals across San Diego County, including divorce valuations and family buyouts. Official website. Published business contact/address; confirm before visiting: 760-525-9350, lowe.don@gmail.com, 2747 Waterbury Way, Carlsbad, CA 92010. Supplied California appraisal license AR034226; current active status has not been verified. Confirm credentials with California BREA, fees, availability and the scope your attorney needs. Source checked 2026-11-06.
  • Approved Appraisals, Matthew J. Rodgers (Provider): San Diego residential valuations for divorce, pre-listing, trust and date-of-death purposes. Official website. Business contact; no office address verified: 858-344-8322, appraisals@homeappraisersandiego.com. California Certified Residential license AR034388 — registry resource. A registry link is not a guarantee of current active status. Confirm credentials, service area, valuation date, fees and availability directly. Source checked 2026-11-06.
  • Appraisal Institute (Association): Professional association for real estate appraisers offering education and credentials. Official website. Not a local appraisal firm. Verify any appraiser's California license with the Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers. Source checked 2026-11-06.

Frequently asked questions

Is an online estimate good enough?

It can be a starting point for discussion, but when value is disputed or a buyout is large, a licensed appraisal is more reliable.

Can we use one appraiser together?

Many couples agree on a single neutral appraiser to save cost. Put the arrangement in writing through counsel.

What if we disagree with the appraisal?

Your attorney can explain options, which may include a second appraisal or review.

Related topics

Primary resources

This page is general education for San Diego County residents. It is not legal, tax, financial or mental health advice and has not been reviewed by an attorney. External organizations named here are informational listings only: no endorsement, partnership, referral or ranking is implied, and qualifications, availability and local service must be confirmed directly with each organization.