Answers
Questions from people going through separation: what to expect, what it costs, what to gather and what we can and cannot do.
Yes. Either party can instruct a Settlement Valuation, and it is often instructed jointly so that both sides receive the same report. If you do not have access to the business documents, your lawyer can advise on how they are obtained. The report values the business from the documents provided and says clearly where anything is missing.
From the For Individuals page. Link to this answer
The valuation is used by both parties, and it is prepared the same way whoever instructs it. It takes into account the things owners often feel are overlooked: what you actually earn for the work you do, how much of the business depends on you personally, the debt, and the working capital the business needs. It also takes into account the things the other party may feel are overlooked, such as private expenses paid through the business. A reasoned figure that both sides can test tends to shorten the argument rather than lengthen it.
From the For Individuals page. Link to this answer
Not for a Settlement Valuation. You can instruct us directly, and many people do. We still recommend that you have a lawyer advise you on your settlement, because the value of the business is only one part of it, and questions about how the pool is divided are legal questions we cannot answer. Where a report is needed for court, it proceeds on instructions, usually through the lawyers.
From the For Individuals page. Link to this answer
Then the report will say so and show why. Owners are often surprised to find that a business which provides a good income has limited value to a purchaser, because the income depends on them. Others are surprised the other way. The figure is what the evidence supports; what you do with it is a matter for you and your lawyer.
From the For Individuals page. Link to this answer
Not unless you authorise it or the valuation is jointly instructed. In a joint instruction we correspond with both sides equally. In a single-party instruction we deal with you and, where you authorise it, your lawyer or accountant, and we do not contact the other party.
From the For Individuals page. Link to this answer
That is a legal question, and your lawyer will advise on it. The report tells you what the business, or the interest in it, is worth. How that value is divided between you depends on matters outside the valuation.
From the For Individuals page. Link to this answer
Yes. Every enquiry is treated as confidential from the moment it arrives, and the conflict check is completed before your matter is discussed in detail. We do not contact anyone you have not authorised. Our privacy policy sets out how your information is handled.
From the For Individuals page. Link to this answer
A Settlement Valuation ($2,995 + GST, fixed fee) is prepared for negotiation, mediation and property-settlement discussions. A Court Expert Valuation (from $8,995 + GST) is prepared for matters that need an expert report for court. They are different tools for different situations, and the appropriate one depends on where your matter is and what the report will be used for.
For negotiation and mediation
A fixed-fee independent business valuation for private negotiations, mediation and property-settlement discussions.
Fee
$2,995 + GST
Fixed fee, payable in advance.
For court proceedings
An independent expert report for matters where a valuation is intended for filing or reliance in court.
Fee
from $8,995 + GST
Final fee confirmed in writing after scope and conflict review, payable in advance.
If your matter later requires an expert report for court, we will assess whether the initial work can be carried forward and provide a separate quotation before proceeding. The appointed expert must independently review the material and may require further information or analysis. See the fees page
The Settlement Valuation fee is not automatically credited against a Court Expert Valuation. Unnecessary duplication is avoided where appropriate, but the appointed expert must independently review the material, control the analysis and form their own opinion.
Answers
Clear, independent business valuations for separation, mediation, property settlements and court proceedings.
Confidential enquiry. Submission does not create an engagement.