This fifth edition is now a portable yet comprehensive single volume. When a divorce begins, equitable distribution of marital assets becomes a top priority. The three overarching steps are 1) identification of marital assets 2) appraisal of identified assets and 3) distribution. This treatise dives into the second step and covers methodologies, strategies, and techniques from both the evaluative and legal perspectives.
Highlights include an overview of analyzing business financial statements and tax returns, handling specialty assets (like professional licenses or degrees, celebrity goodwill, and lottery winnings), and direct and cross-examination questions for experts. The new Chapter 3 discusses determining the worth of closely held businesses, i.e. businesses not traded on a public exchange. There are also practice aids such as valuation strategy checklists and sample pleadings woven into most chapters to help you systematically work through assessments. Sample appraisal reports with mistakes and corresponding critiques allow the reader to practice identifying errors so you can avoid them in your own work. The final chapter reviews selected state court opinions on various valuation topics.
Whether you are a new attorney working on your first divorce or an experienced lawyer unraveling a complicated asset dispute, this book will help you address any and all assets with confidence.
