Asset Insights for Life's Transitions

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Appraisals for Divorce and Equitable Distribution

Accurate, Independent Valuations for a Fair Settlement

Dividing property during a divorce can be complex—especially when valuable personal property, real estate, business assets, jewelry, collectibles, or vehicles are involved. An independent appraisal provides clear, defensible documentation so both parties can understand the value of marital and non‑marital assets.

The Peterson Exchange provides professional, impartial appraisal services for divorce, mediation, and equitable distribution matters throughout Lakeland and Central Florida.

Why an Appraisal Matters

A well‑supported appraisal can help:

  • Identify and document marital property

  • Establish fair market value for personal and household assets

  • Support negotiations between spouses, attorneys, and mediators

  • Provide an objective foundation for dividing property

  • Distinguish separate, inherited, or premarital items

  • Reduce disputes over the value of personal property

  • Supply documentation for mediation, settlement, or court proceedings

Our role is to provide an unbiased opinion of value—not to advocate for either spouse.

Assets We Appraise

Depending on the scope of the assignment, we can evaluate a wide range of tangible personal property, including:

  • Fine jewelry and watches

  • Antiques and collectibles

  • Artwork and decorative items

  • Designer handbags and luxury accessories

  • Furniture and household contents

  • Coins, currency, and precious metals

  • Musical instruments

  • Firearms and sporting collectibles

  • Vehicles and specialty items

  • Business or estate contents

  • Other tangible personal property

If you’re unsure whether an item requires appraisal, we’re happy to review your situation.

Divorce Appraisal Services

We assist with many types of divorce‑related valuation needs:

Marital Asset Inventory

A structured inventory helps identify, describe, and organize property acquired during the marriage.

Valuation of High‑Value Property

Individual or grouped appraisals can establish fair market value for jewelry, artwork, collectibles, furniture, and other significant assets.

Equitable Distribution Support

Accurate values help attorneys, mediators, and spouses evaluate how property may be divided.

Separate and Non‑Marital Property

Documentation can clarify inherited, gifted, premarital, or individually owned items.

Estate and Household Contents

Comprehensive contents appraisals can document the property within a home, secondary residence, storage unit, or other location.

Appraisal Reports for Legal Proceedings

When required, we prepare written reports that describe the items inspected, the valuation methodology, and the resulting opinions of value.

Objective and Confidential

Divorce matters require discretion, accuracy, and professionalism. We work independently and maintain confidentiality throughout the process. Our goal is to deliver clear, well‑supported valuations that can be easily understood by clients, attorneys, mediators, and other professionals.

We do not represent either spouse. We provide impartial, evidence‑based opinions of value according to the assignment requirements.

What to Expect

The appraisal process typically includes:

  • An initial consultation to discuss the property and purpose of the appraisal

  • Review of available documentation, photographs, receipts, or prior appraisals

  • Inspection and description of the items, when appropriate

  • Research and valuation based on the defined assignment

  • A written report presenting the findings and opinions of value

The scope and cost of the appraisal depend on the number and type of items, their location, the level of research required, and the intended use of the report.

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