Should My Attorney Order the Appraisal for My Divorce?

What You Need to Know About Who Arranges the Home Valuation During Divorce

If you’re going through a divorce and there’s a house (or houses) involved, one thing becomes clear pretty quickly:

You need to know what that asset is worth.

That’s where an appraisal comes in. But the next question many people in West Michigan ask is:

“Should my attorney be the one to order the appraisal?”

The answer:
✅ Your attorney can order it, but you don’t have to wait for them
In fact, in many cases, it’s faster and more efficient if you take the lead on ordering the appraisal.

💡Hot Take: We’ve noticed a trend over the last 10 years, at least in the West Michigan Market, that more attorneys are advising their clients to seek out their own appraiser so that the ‘other side’ cannot make a claim of bias or impropriety.

Here’s what you need to know about who should arrange the home appraisal in a divorce, and how to make sure it works in your favor.

Why You Need a Divorce Appraisal

For most people, their home is often the largest asset in the marriage. A professional appraisal helps:

• Determine fair market value
• Decide on buyout amounts if one spouse wants to keep the home
• Divide equity fairly in mediation or court
• Support legal filings, disclosures, and settlement agreements

A proper divorce appraisal is different from a typical refinance or sale appraisal. It’s designed to hold up in legal negotiations or court testimony. While the appraisal process is similar; the appraisal forms used, the language throughout the report, and the support needed for potential litigation is often more in depth that what a lending appraiser will do. 

💡Not all appraisers are experienced or qualified to complete a solid, defensible real estate appraisal for divorce purposes. It’s important to find one with lots of experience in completing dissolution of marriage appraisals and experience defending their appraisals on the stand.

Who Can Order the Appraisal?

There are three common approaches in West Michigan divorce cases:

1. You Order It Yourself

This is often the fastest and most cost-effective route, especially if:

• You want to get clarity early in the process
• You and your spouse agree on using one neutral appraiser
• You’re working with a mediator or collaborative attorney

💡 A reputable divorce appraiser will work with both parties if needed and provide a legally defensible report, although it is not uncommon for both parties to each get their own appraisal. 

2. Your Attorney Orders It

Some attorneys prefer to coordinate the appraisal directly, especially if:

• There’s concern about impartiality
• You’re in active litigation
• The appraiser may be called to testify in court

This can offer peace of mind but may also add time and administrative costs.

💡 If your attorney does choose the appraiser, make sure they select someone experienced in divorce and legal appraisals and familiar with local market conditions.

3. Each Side Orders Their Own Appraisal

If the divorce is high-conflict or both sides disagree on the home’s value, each party may hire their own appraiser. In these cases:

• Both reports are submitted
• Attorneys negotiate based on the findings
• A third neutral appraiser may be used if the values differ significantly

This is common in contested divorces in areas like Grand Rapids, Cascade, Ada, or East Grand Rapids, where home values can vary greatly and emotions run high.

4. ✅ BONUS: Have Nn Appraisal Review Completed On An Existing Appraisal 

Having a review of an existing appraisal is a very common alternative to having a second full appraisal completed. If one party has already had an appraisal completed, we’re often called to do a ‘formal appraisal review’ whereby we review all aspects of the appraisal to determine the accuracy and legitimacy of that report. Read more about appraisal reviews here….

Can You Order the Appraisal Without an Attorney?

Absolutely. In fact, many people:

• Get the appraisal before hiring an attorney
• Use it to guide buyout or sale decisions
• Present it during mediation to support proposals

Just make sure the appraiser you hire is:

• Licensed and certified in Michigan
• Experienced in divorce and legal appraisals
• Familiar with the local real estate market
• Comfortable producing court-ready reports if needed

✅ Final Thoughts

So, should your attorney order the appraisal for your divorce?

They can, but you don’t have to wait for them to do it.
You’re allowed to take the initiative, especially if it helps move the process forward.

In West Michigan, the smartest move is to work with a divorce-experienced appraiser who understands both the local housing market and the legal standards your attorney, and possibly the court, will expect.

Whether you’re planning to sell, buy out your spouse, or just want clarity before negotiating, an accurate, professional appraisal is one of the most important tools you’ll use in your divorce.