We realize that dealing with either a divorce or estate, can be a rather unpleasant time consuming experience. Our service involves going to your residence and examinining the pieces. If we feel that the pieces require an official appraisal, we can then proceed with that appraisal at "Market Value" (for estate or divorce). In this case the market value given is actually the upper end of an auction estimate. If we feel that the items do not warrant an official appraisal, we will tell you so, however, in the cases of discrepancy, you may still need to have them appraised.

 

 Our appraisals are accepted by the courts. Sometimes the courts will ask that the divorce appraisal be done both at the date of marriage or acquisition of the items and at the date of separation. Please make sure that we know and realize that this does slightly raise the anticipated costs of the appraisal. Click on the "wink chair" above left to see an example of the two date appraisal.

 

 Often we do find that no items have any real inherent value in which case we say so, and if everyone can agree then you want you will only be charged for consultation. When dealing with certain items, i.e. artwork, often we cannot give you an accurate appraisal without doing research, in which case an official appraisal is always best.

 

  If you can have make a quick list, of what you believe you paid for the items, their provenance (i.e where it came from), and item counts (i.e. 12 of these item), then this will quicken the appraisal process hence save you money.