​HYDE VALUATIONS, INC

A valuation professional often serves as either an expert witness or as a consultant. Expert witnesses are often used in situations such as the following:

 

• Divorce

• Dissolution of business

• Economic loss

• Breach of contract

• Partner disputes

• Dissenting shareholders

• Bankruptcy

 

Things to check before hiring an expert witness or consultant include:

 

• Does the appraiser have expert witness experience?

• What professional designations does the appraiser hold?

• Has the appraiser received continuing education particularly in the area needed?

• How long has the appraiser been performing business valuations?

• Has the appraiser published articles, taught classes and lectured on business appraisal topics?

 

 

• Reviewing the valuation clause in a buy-sell agreement.

• Review of other expert's work.

• Interpreting a company's financial statements and other information.

• Exploring the strengths and weaknesses of both sides of the case.

• Determining which discovery documents may be useful or necessary for analysis.

• Developing questions to ask opposing expert or principals regarding valuation facts and issues.

 

As a consultant, a valuation professional is free to act as an advocate for the attorney. In a business appraiser and expert witness role, the appraiser must not be an advocate for either side.