Family Law Valuation Co.

Questions & answers

For family lawyers, mediators and accountants

Questions family lawyers, mediators and accountants ask about instructing, joint appointments, single experts, timing and how we communicate.

Answers

Will you review a draft letter of instruction before we engage you?

Yes. Reviewing proposed instructions before engagement is part of the scope stage for every Family Law Expert Valuation and is welcome for a Settlement Valuation. We tell you whether the questions can properly be answered, whether the valuation date and interest are clearly defined, what documents will be needed and whether anything in the draft would cause difficulty. We do not draft the instructions or advise on their legal form.

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Can you be jointly appointed as a single expert?

Yes, subject to conflict checking, scope review, suitable joint instructions and acceptance by the appointed expert. The identity of the appointed expert, their qualifications and experience, the scope, the fee and the expected delivery date are confirmed in writing before work begins. Whether a single expert is appropriate or required in the matter is for the parties and the Court.

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Can you tell us whether a Settlement Valuation is enough for our matter?

We can tell you what each service is prepared for. The Settlement Valuation is prepared for negotiation and mediation purposes. It is not prepared for filing or reliance as expert evidence in court. Whether that is sufficient for your matter, or whether expert evidence will be required, is your judgement and the Court's. Where the matter is before the Court or an expert report is expected, we will say that the Family Law Expert Valuation is the appropriate scope rather than let you start with the wrong tool.

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How do you handle gaps in disclosure?

We identify them early, against a checklist tailored to the business, and tell you which gaps can be worked around and which cannot. Where a document is missing, the report says so and explains how the gap was treated. We do not chase the other side for documents; that is a matter for the parties and their lawyers. For a jointly instructed report, requests go through the instructing lawyers to both sides.

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Will you communicate with the other side?

In a joint engagement, yes, equally and through the instructing lawyers. In a single-party engagement, no, unless you authorise it. We do not contact the other party, their solicitor or their accountant without instructions to do so, and we tell you if we are approached.

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What are your turnaround times?

Settlement Valuation: Draft report within 5 to 7 business days after receiving payment and all required information. Family Law Expert Valuation: The delivery date is agreed with you before work begins, and runs from payment and receipt of all required information. Urgent turnaround is available at a 25% surcharge. Tell us the dates that matter at the enquiry stage and we will tell you whether they can be met.

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Can you give a fee before the instructions are settled?

Yes. The Settlement Valuation is fixed at $2,495 + GST and the Family Law Expert Valuation is fixed at $4,495 + GST. The fixed fees apply to one reasonably straightforward business with complete and reliable records. We will confirm the scope before commencing. If the enquiry shows more than that, such as additional entities or records that need reconstruction, we tell you at the enquiry stage and price it before starting.

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Are you on a court panel or approved by the Court?

No valuer or firm is approved or accredited by the Court, and we do not claim to be. Expert reports are prepared to address the applicable expert-evidence requirements in the specific engagement and are delivered by a suitably qualified business valuer. They are signed only by the valuer who has accepted the instructions. Whether a report is admitted, and what weight it is given, are matters for the Court.

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Clarity starts with a conversation.

Tell us a little about the business. We help identify the right report and confirm the scope before you commit. Not ready to enquire? Start with a free 15-minute consultation, at no cost and with no obligation. Based in Double Bay, Sydney, and working with clients and their advisers across Australia. Or call 0433 475 518 or request a call back. Phone hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (Sydney time).