Transcript
In some cases, not all, but in some cases, there is a need to retain an expert to help with the uncovering of information or an expert to testify at a trial on your behalf. Experts involved in family court range from folks who do appraisals like a real estate appraiser or a personal property appraiser.
We can hire an actuary to conduct an analysis of a pension plan to figure out the value event plan. Quite often, we will retain a custody evaluator if there is a need for an expert opinion about what is best for the children in terms of custody and parenting time.
And then still, there are accountants we could hire to help us run cashflow scenarios on the issue of spousal maintenance or alimony. The tax code is complicated and there are many implications concerning spousal maintenance and child support, and property settlements, and so quite often we’ll get a a number cruncher involved to to help us with that.
There are a host of other experts as well, but the business appraisers and automobile appraisers, antique collectors, things like that. But generally speaking, we don’t find that there is a need for more than typically one or two experts to be involved in a divorce.
What they do though is sort of solidify the value of a particular item or render an expert opinion about what they feel is appropriate. We either use that information to negotiate and if we don’t reach an agreement through negotiation, use that information at trial.