How is a neutral business appraiser appointed in a divorce proceeding?
Whether a neutral business appraiser may be appointed, and the circumstances under which such an appraiser may be appointed, vary by jurisdiction. In cases involving unusually difficult, sophisticated, or complex issues, a court may have the inherent power to appoint a neutral expert to assist it in evaluating the evidence presented by the parties. In some jurisdictions, a court’s power to appoint a neutral business appraiser may be provided by law. Statutory authority may prescribe the appointment of a neutral expert or appraiser for the purpose of valuing assets (see e.g., California Evidence Code § 730), in equitable distribution proceedings (see e.g., New York Court Rule § 202.18), or for other reasons.
