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The Matrimonial StrategistLJN NewslettersNewsSections

When Is Equity Value Really Zero?

By Rob Schlegel, and Randy Sweeten
November 26, 2013

Matrimonial attorneys are often confronted with a listed equity asset that, at least according to the client, “isn't worth anything.” In the past two years, we have seen several of our valuation assignments conclude with “zero value,” which is hardly pleasing. Not only is this type of opinion stressful, it also contributes to expert and attorney fees where fee containment may be one of the underlying objectives of the clients.

So, how does the matrimonial attorney approach this dilemma? Does this equity with a claimed worthless value need to be appraised? What are the signs that an equity asset would be worth little, if anything? What can meaningful experts do ' without costing an arm and a leg of scarce marital assets ' to provide some type of assurance that suggests additional investigation would not be cost effective? Here are some tips from the expert's point of view that might be useful.

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