Valuations built to survive
cross-examination.
Divorce, partnership disputes, bankruptcy, condemnation — when real property is in contention, the number has to be independent, written, and defensible. That is the entire practice.
In a dispute, the credible number is the strong position.
New Jersey divides marital property equitably — and equitable starts with accurate. The same is true in a partnership breakup, a contested estate, or a bankruptcy: whoever brings the more credible, better-documented value tends to set the terms of the conversation.
Our reports are written from the first page to be examined — methodology shown, comparables defended, conclusions a judge can follow. And because Fiedler has sold, auctioned, and valued property in these counties since 1959, our appraisers speak about the local market from experience, not from a database printout.
Roughly half of our appraisal work arrives through attorneys. We are comfortable working to counsel's requirements, on counsel's timeline, with counsel's discretion.
The litigation practice
- ✓Divorce & equitable distributionMarital homes, farms, investment property.
- ✓Expert witness testimonyReports written to be defended in court.
- ✓Retrospective datesValue as of filing, separation, or loss.
- ✓Neutral engagementsOne appraiser both parties agree on.
- ✓Partnership, estate & bankruptcy disputesAny property type in contention.
From engagement to the stand, if needed.
Engage
Counsel or the parties engage us; we confirm the effective date, the scope, and any court or discovery requirements.
Inspect
In-person inspection of the property in contention — documented for the record.
Analyze
A defensible opinion of value, developed to professional standards and written to withstand the other side's expert.
Report & testify
The written report within three to four weeks of inspection — and testimony at deposition or trial when the matter calls for it.
Litigation appraisals, answered plainly.
Why does a divorce need an independent appraisal?
Because New Jersey divides marital property equitably, and you cannot divide what you have not valued. A written, independent appraisal gives both sides — and the court — a professional number for the home, the farm, or the business real estate, instead of two guesses.
Can each side use its own appraiser?
Yes — and often each side does. We are also regularly engaged as a neutral appraiser agreed to by both parties, which can save the cost and friction of dueling reports.
Will the appraiser testify?
Yes. Expert witness testimony is part of the practice — our reports are written from the start to survive cross-examination, and we appear when counsel needs us to.
Can you value the property as of a past date?
Yes. Litigation often turns on value at a specific moment — the date a complaint was filed, a date of separation, a date of loss. Retrospective valuation to a fixed effective date is routine work for us.
What kinds of disputes do you appraise for?
Divorce and equitable distribution, partnership and shareholder disputes, estate contests, bankruptcy, eminent domain and condemnation, and general commercial litigation involving real property.
We appraise and testify to value; we don't give legal advice. Strategy, filings, and procedure belong to your attorney.
Bring the number that holds up.
Tell us the property, the effective date, and what the matter requires — we'll confirm scope, timing, and fee with you or your counsel.
Engage an appraiser