Picking the “right” standard of value in divorce

Description

Abstract: In divorce cases that include a private business, the attorney and client need to know how much the interest is worth to equitably distribute marital assets. But a universal standard of value that applies in all divorce cases doesn’t exist. This brief article discusses the most common standards of value in divorce — fair market value and fair value — and notes the differences between the two. The article also stresses the importance of engaging a valuator who is familiar with both relevant state divorce statutes and case law in the particular jurisdiction in order to minimize valuation-related complications.