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Understanding Equitable Distribution

By Marcy L. Wachtel

As the definition of marital property continues to expand and embrace more and more esoteric forms of property, equitable distribution cases become increasingly complex. Consequently, the tendency for matrimonial lawyers is to rely on the valuation expert and to blindly accept and utilize the bottom line numbers contained in their reports. The pitfall is that, whether in the context of settlement negotiations or litigation, in order to properly prosecute or defend the client's case, the matrimonial practitioner cannot wholly rely on the expert. The attorney must be able to understand on his or her own the analytical components and premises of the valuation methodology.

One frequently used valuation methodology, often seen in the context of valuing a professional partnership interest, is the capitalization of excess earnings method. In this approach, the amount of the titled spouse's earnings in excess of reasonable compensation - the so-called goodwill in the entity - is multiplied by a capitalization rate in order to arrive at the value of the interest in the partnership.

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