A Matter of Opinion: The Use of Experts in New York Divorce Matters

Is the family business profitable or broke? During a divorce, sometimes the only opinion that matters is one provided by an expert. 

As it turns out, many of our clients benefit from the appropriate use of experts during their divorce proceedings. New York law allows courts to require payment of fees for legal counsel and experts by either party. 

The fair division of property, finances and parenting is a very subjective process. The answer? Bring in objective experts. Areas of expertise required during divorce proceedings may include: 

• Financial experts: Forensic accounting is essential to discover and value business assets. Economic and other investment advisors are important in high-asset divorce proceedings.
• Appraisers: An appraiser can value a family home or the fortune it holds. Valuable objects like art, jewelry and other collectibles require a price tag during consideration for division by the parties.
• Pension and taxes: Specialists offer a present-day dollar value of assets and the tax and loss consequences of long-term strategies for division.
• Estate planning: With high-asset divorce, estate planners help the parties make good decisions to preserve their wealth — or realize the outcome of potential court rulings.
• Mental health professionals: From custodial evaluations to psychiatric evaluation of the parties to a custody battle, mental health professionals often play a key role in divorce proceedings in New York. 

The most important professional in a divorce proceeding is your own attorney. While experts render opinions, they can be misguided. It is not unusual for a custodial investigator or a guardian ad litem (GAL) to align with one party in violation of the mandate of neutrality. 

When decisions about your property or parenting time are a matter of opinion, seek experienced legal counsel in New York prepared to fight for your rights and future. Contact Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C.