Do I Need an Attorney Before Ordering a Divorce Appraisal?

Why You Can, and Sometimes Should, Get an Appraisal First

Going through a divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when property and finances are involved. One of the first questions many homeowners ask is:

“Do I need a lawyer before getting the house appraised?”

The short, empowering answer:
✅ No, you do not need an attorney before ordering a divorce appraisal.
And in many cases, getting the appraisal done early can help you make smarter decisions, whether you’ve hired an attorney yet or not.

Here’s why.

Why a Divorce Appraisal Matters

Whether you plan to sell the house, buy out your spouse, or divide equity, you need to know one thing for sure:

What is the home actually worth right now?

A professional divorce appraisal provides an objective, third-party opinion of the property’s fair market value based on:

• Local sales data
• Property condition and features
• Current market trends in your area (like Grand Rapids, Cascade, Ada, or Rockford, as an example)

This number is essential for:

• 💵 Calculating buyout amounts
• 📄 Disclosing marital assets
• 🤝 Negotiating a settlement
• ⚖️ Preparing for court, if needed

💡When it comes to divorce appraisals, you may also want to know what the value of your property was at the time it was purchased, the date of the marriage, or the date of separation. 

Why You Don’t Need a Lawyer First

You’re allowed to gather financial and property information before hiring an attorney. In fact, many people use the appraisal to:

• Understand their equity position
• Get clarity before legal expenses
• Support early conversations with their spouse or mediator
• Prepare for attorney meetings with real numbers, not guesses

💡 Getting the appraisal done early gives you a strategic advantage by allowing you to enter negotiations informed and confident.

When to Involve an Attorney

Once you’ve got your appraisal in hand, a family law attorney can help you:

• Interpret how the home’s value affects asset division
• Negotiate fair terms or buyouts
• Use the report in mediation or legal filings
• Decide if you need a second appraisal or a neutral third-party valuation

If you and your spouse each order your own appraisal and the values differ significantly, attorneys may guide you toward averaging the results or bringing in a third expert.

💡It is not uncommon for our company to do an ‘expert review’ of an existing appraisal to determine if there is a good reason to have a second or third appraisal done. 

What to Look for in a Divorce Appraiser

Not all appraisers are equipped for divorce work. Make sure you choose someone who:

• Specializes in divorce and legal appraisals
• Understands how to prepare an appraisal for legal purposes
• Understands family court expectations
• Is comfortable producing retrospective values (if needed)
• Can provide court-ready documentation and testimony, if the case goes to trial
• Knows your local market (from Grand Rapids to Kentwood to rural Kent and Ottawa Counties)

✅ Final Thoughts

You don’t need to wait for an attorney to start making smart, informed decisions in your divorce. Ordering an appraisal early can:

• Bring clarity to your financial picture
• Reduce unnecessary conflict
• Help you avoid overpaying, under-settling, or making assumptions

In West Michigan, working with a qualified divorce appraiser is a simple, strategic first step that puts you in control.

Whether you’ve hired an attorney yet or not, getting the value of your home is one decision you won’t regret.