There is no single rule that answers this for every California divorce, and we are not the right people to decide it for you. What we can do is describe how it commonly works so you can ask better questions.
The usual ways it gets settled
- Split between the spouses. When both sides agree to use one neutral appraiser, they often agree to share the fee equally.
- One spouse pays up front. The spouse who wants the number pays, and the two later account for it in the settlement.
- Ordered or allocated by the court. In a contested case a judge can decide how costs are handled.
None of these is automatic. What you actually owe depends on your agreement, any court orders and your attorney's advice.
Questions to put to your attorney or mediator
- Should we use one appraiser for both of us, or does each side want its own?
- Who engages the appraiser, and who receives the report?
- What valuation date do we use?
- How will the fee be accounted for in our settlement?
If you are working with a mediator, the mediator can usually help the two of you agree on all four before anyone orders anything.
When you are ready to order
Once the arrangement is settled, call and tell us the address, the valuation date and who will receive the report. We will quote the fee by phone and put the engagement in writing so both sides know who asked for it.