Understanding the Importance of Divorce Appraisals in Burbank
Dividing real estate during a divorce can be one of the most significant financial decisions you make. In a diverse and competitive market like Burbank, where home values vary dramatically based on proximity to studios, schools, and amenities, a certified Divorce Appraisal is essential to ensure fair, accurate, and legally compliant property division.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide professional Divorce Appraisals in Burbank with the experience and market expertise to navigate this unique real estate landscape. With over 5,000 appraisals completed across Southern California, we also offer Date of Death (Probate) Appraisals, Estate Planning Valuations, Retrospective Appraisals, Expert Witness Reports, Tax Appeal Support, and Pre-Listing Appraisals.
A Divorce Appraisal is a certified valuation of a property's fair market value, performed by a licensed real estate appraiser for legal separation or divorce proceedings. This valuation may reflect:
The current market value, or
A retrospective value as of a previous date (such as the date of separation)
All reports are:
USPAP-compliant (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice)
Accepted by California courts and financial institutions
Used for equitable property division, refinancing, and legal documentation
Objective, professionally researched, and supported by local market data
Burbank’s real estate includes everything from hillside estates and character-filled homes near Magnolia Park to updated townhomes and income properties. Neighborhoods like Media District, Rancho Adjacent, and Burbank Hills can have vastly different values. A certified appraisal ensures accurate comparison to relevant nearby sales and market conditions.
Under California’s community property law, assets acquired during marriage must be divided equitably. A Divorce Appraisal provides courts and attorneys with an unbiased, defensible value to assist in property settlements.
When one spouse chooses to retain the home, an accurate valuation is essential to determine the amount owed to the other. Lenders also require a certified appraisal before approving mortgage refinancing in one party’s name.
Real estate disagreements are common in divorce. A neutral, third-party appraisal provides clarity, helping both sides make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
Consider ordering a Divorce Appraisal when:
A divorce or separation is underway
The home will be sold or one party plans to retain it
A retrospective valuation is needed based on the date of separation
An attorney, court, or lender requests certified documentation
You need to establish a spousal buyout amount
Appraisals may be commissioned by one or both parties, depending on the situation.
We appraise a wide variety of residential properties in Burbank, including:
Single-family homes near Magnolia Park, Burbank Hills, and Glenoaks
Townhomes and condominiums near Downtown Burbank
Duplexes and small income properties
Ranch-style homes in the Rancho District
Homes with accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and guest houses
Properties with proximity to studios or entertainment industry zones
Each appraisal reflects the property’s unique features, location, condition, and current or historical sales trends.
A certified Divorce Appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
Interior and/or exterior inspection
Neighborhood and market trend analysis
Comparable sales with detailed adjustments
Final certified opinion of value (current or retrospective)
High-resolution images, assessor maps, zoning, and legal data
Delivered in PDF format, suitable for court, attorney, and lender use
Full compliance with USPAP and California court standards
We also provide:
Date of Death (Probate) Appraisals
Estate Planning and Trust Valuations
Retrospective Appraisals for specific historical dates
Expert Witness Testimony and Legal Support
Tax Appeal Appraisals for contested property taxes
Pre-Listing Appraisals to establish pricing strategies
Bankruptcy and Asset Division Valuations
Our reports are prepared with care, confidentiality, and legal precision.
We discuss your needs, the purpose of the appraisal, the effective date, and any legal or lender requirements.
We inspect the property’s size, layout, upgrades, and condition. If access is unavailable, we use verified MLS and public records data.
We select the most relevant comparable sales and apply expert adjustments based on property-specific factors.
Appraisals are typically delivered within five to seven business days. Rush service is available in 48 hours when needed.
Over 5,000 appraisals completed across Southern California
Deep expertise in Burbank’s studio-adjacent and residential neighborhoods
Reports that are USPAP-certified, court-admissible, and lender-approved
Trusted by attorneys, mediators, trustees, and homeowners
Available for expert witness testimony
Fast, discreet, and responsive service tailored to your schedule
We bring clarity and confidence to a difficult process, helping you move forward with an accurate and fair valuation of your most valuable asset.
Can one appraisal serve both spouses? Yes. In amicable situations, a jointly ordered appraisal is often accepted. In contested divorces, each spouse may order a separate appraisal.
What if the property was improved after separation? We offer retrospective appraisals to reflect the home’s value as of a previous date—excluding any post-separation upgrades.
Is a Zestimate or real estate agent’s opinion acceptable in court? No. Only a certified appraisal by a licensed professional is legally valid in California divorce proceedings.
If you're going through a divorce and need a certified, impartial valuation in Burbank, trust Pacific Home Appraisers for accuracy, professionalism, and local expertise.
Call 818-880-1466 Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com to schedule your Divorce Appraisal in Burbank or explore our full range of real estate valuation services.