Business Valuations for Family Law and Disputes
Independent valuations of businesses, companies and trusts for family law property settlements, shareholder disputes and commercial litigation.
An Independent Value You Can Rely On
When a business forms part of a property pool or a dispute, its value is often the largest and most contested number in the matter. A valuation that overlooks owner remuneration, personal expenses run through the business or the difference between business and personal goodwill can be wrong by a wide margin.
Steven P. Rider CA CPA has valued small and medium enterprises, trading entities, discretionary trusts and proprietary companies, including as a single expert in family law matters. More than 27 years of advising business owners means we understand how small businesses really operate, including where the financial statements do not tell the full story.
Our valuations support family law property settlements, shareholder and commercial disputes and expert evidence for court.
Our Business Valuation Services
Single Expert Valuations
Jointly appointed valuations for family law property matters, prepared independently for both parties and the court.
Family Law Business Valuations
Valuing a party’s interest in a business, company or trust as part of the asset pool, including the treatment of loan accounts.
Shareholder and Partnership Valuations
Valuing interests for buy-outs, oppression claims and partnership dissolutions.
Normalisation of Earnings
Adjusting reported profits for owner remuneration, personal expenses, non-recurring items and related-party dealings.
Goodwill Analysis
Distinguishing business goodwill from personal goodwill, which can be treated differently in family law.
Trust and Company Interests
Valuing interests held through discretionary trusts, unit trusts and proprietary companies.
Review of Opposing Valuations
Critical review of another expert’s valuation methods, assumptions and calculations.
Tax Consequences
Considering capital gains tax and other tax consequences that may affect the net value available on a sale or transfer.
Our Valuation Process
Understand the Purpose
We confirm the valuation date, the interest being valued, the standard of value and the questions in your instructions.
Analyse the Business
We review financial statements, management accounts, ledgers, contracts and industry factors, and normalise earnings.
Apply Appropriate Methods
We apply the method that suits the business, such as capitalised future maintainable earnings, net assets or discounted cash flow.
Report Clearly
We explain the value, the method and every key assumption in a clear, independent report.
Valuations We Prepare
- Family law property settlements, including single expert appointments
- Shareholder and partnership disputes and buy-outs
- Commercial litigation and damages claims
- Estate and family provision matters
- Business sale and purchase disputes
- Property-holding and agricultural SMEs
Why Lawyers Choose AuditTrace for Valuations
- Dual qualified: Chartered Accountant and CPA with more than 27 years of experience
- Single expert experience: in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- Practical SME knowledge: decades of advising business owners on how their businesses actually make money
- Tax insight: Registered Tax Practitioner, so tax consequences are considered, not overlooked
- Clear reports: valuations that lawyers, clients and the court can follow
- Independent: prepared in accordance with APES 215 and the applicable court rules
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a small business valued in a family law property settlement?
Small businesses are commonly valued by capitalising their future maintainable earnings, or on a net assets basis where there is little transferable goodwill. Reported profits are adjusted for items such as owner remuneration and personal expenses. The right method depends on the business and the facts of the matter.
What is a single expert valuation?
A single expert is appointed jointly by both parties, or by the court, to provide one independent valuation. This usually saves cost and time compared with each party engaging its own valuer.
What is the difference between business and personal goodwill?
Business goodwill attaches to the business itself and would transfer to a buyer. Personal goodwill depends on the skills, reputation and relationships of an individual. The distinction can significantly affect a valuation, particularly in family law.
What information do you need for a business valuation?
Several years of financial statements and tax returns, management accounts, general ledgers, loan account details, and information about the business’s operations, customers and key people.
Can you review a valuation prepared by another expert?
Yes. We review the methods, assumptions and calculations in another expert’s valuation and explain any errors or alternative conclusions.
How long does a business valuation take?
It depends on the complexity of the business and how quickly records are provided. Many valuations take several weeks, and we confirm the expected timing, including any court deadlines, when we agree the scope.
Discuss a Business Valuation
Tell us about the business, the interest to be valued and your deadlines. We will confirm the scope, timing and fees before any work begins.