Property Valuations for Divorce and Separation in London
When a marriage or common-law relationship ends, dividing property fairly requires an accurate, independent assessment of what each asset is worth. Real estate is typically the largest asset in a family law matter — and the value is rarely self-evident. A formal appraisal from an AACI-designated appraiser provides a defensible, CUSPAP-compliant value opinion that both parties and their lawyers can rely on.
Under Ontario's Family Law Act, the equalization of net family property is calculated as of the valuation date — typically the date of separation. A retrospective appraisal may be required to establish what a property was worth on that date, which may be months or years before the appraisal is ordered.
Metrix Realty Group serves family law lawyers, mediators, collaborative lawyers, and self-represented parties across London, Middlesex County, and Southwestern Ontario. We provide joint retainer and single-party appraisals for all property types.
Matrimonial Appraisal Services
Matrimonial Home Appraisal
Market value opinion for the primary residence at the date of separation or current date, depending on the needs of the file. Suitable for negotiated settlements, mediation, collaborative law, and contested court proceedings.
Retrospective Valuations
Historical market value opinions as of the date of separation, marriage, or any other legally relevant date. Retrospective appraisals are supported by historical market data and prepared in compliance with CUSPAP.
Joint Retainer Appointments
Single appraisal jointly retained by both parties, reducing the cost and adversarial dynamic of competing appraisals. Widely used in collaborative family law and mediated settlement processes in Ontario.
Commercial & Investment Property
For complex estates involving commercial property, rental income portfolios, or investment real estate, Metrix's AACI designation authorizes appraisal of all property types — a capability that residential-only appraisers do not have.
What Makes a Matrimonial Appraisal Defensible
In a contested divorce, a property value can be challenged by the opposing party's appraiser. The quality and credibility of the appraisal determines how well it holds up under scrutiny. Metrix appraisals are prepared by AACI-designated appraisers, comply fully with CUSPAP, and document all data and analysis used to support the value conclusion — meeting the disclosure standard courts expect from expert reports.
CUSPAP Compliant
Every report prepared under mandatory AIC professional standards.
Fully Independent
No contingent fees, no advocacy — an objective opinion of market value.
Court-Ready
Reports structured to meet expert witness disclosure requirements for Ontario court proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both spouses need separate appraisers for a divorce property valuation?
Not necessarily. An independent appraisal on a jointly retained basis — where both parties agree on the appraiser before the assignment is completed — is recognized under the Ontario Family Law Act and can reduce the cost and conflict associated with competing appraisals. In contested matters, each party may retain their own appraiser. Metrix can work under either arrangement.
What value date is used for a matrimonial property appraisal in Ontario?
Under Ontario's Family Law Act, the equalization calculation is based on net family property as of the valuation date — the date of separation. A retrospective appraisal is often required to establish the property's market value as of that date, which may be months or years prior to when the appraisal is ordered.
Can Metrix appraise commercial or investment property in a divorce?
Yes. Metrix's AACI-designated appraisers are authorized to appraise all property types including commercial, industrial, multi-family rental, and development land. This is important in complex divorces involving business-related real estate, rental portfolios, or mixed-use assets that a residential-only appraiser may not be qualified to value.
Need a Divorce Property Appraisal in London, Ontario?
Contact Metrix to discuss the property, the required valuation date, and whether a joint or single-party retainer is appropriate for your file.