Separating couples & family lawyers
Home Appraisal for Divorce or Separation in Canada
Get a defensible, court-ready valuation of the matrimonial home — fast, neutral, and fully independent.
At a glance
- Report type
- Narrative residential appraisal (AIC AACI/CRA designated), with valuation effective date as required by the lawyer or court.
- Typical turnaround
- 5–10 business days from inspection; rush options often available.
- Cost framing
- Higher than a standard mortgage appraisal due to narrative reporting and potential court use. Expect a premium for retrospective effective dates.
- Intended users
- Family lawyers, Mediators & arbitrators, Both spouses, Family court
- Canada-wide coverage
- Residential property focus
- Comparable-sales evidence
- Independent directory
Why this matters
Divorce / Separation valuations are read by someone specific
An independent valuation of the matrimonial home for separation, mediation, arbitration, or family court — prepared by a designated residential appraiser with court-ready reporting standards.
- Family lawyers
- Mediators & arbitrators
- Both spouses
- Family court
What you provide
- Legal description / land title
- Date of separation (effective date)
- Recent improvements list
- Survey or RPR if available
- Tax assessment
- Mortgage statement (optional)
What you receive
- Signed narrative report
- Comparable sales analysis
- Photos of subject property
- Reconciled opinion of market value
- Appraiser CV / qualifications
Common pitfalls
What goes wrong — and how to avoid it
Wrong effective date
Date of separation and date of trial are different. Confirm the correct effective date with your lawyer before instructing the appraiser.
Drive-by reports
A neutral, full interior inspection is almost always preferred for matrimonial matters.
Single-party instructions
Joint retainers reduce challenge risk. If retained by one side, expect the other side to commission a second opinion.
Questions to ask
Before you hire any appraiser
- →Are you a designated AIC member (AACI or CRA)?
- →Have you testified or written reports used in family court?
- →What's the effective date you'll use, and why?
- →Will you accept a joint retainer from both spouses?
- →What's your turnaround and rush option?
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FAQ
Divorce / Separation appraisal questions
Yes, but joint retainers carry the most weight. If you hire alone, the other spouse may commission a second opinion or challenge yours.
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