The Role of Expert Witnesses in Contentious Divorce Cases
Contentious divorce cases tend to be emotionally charged legal battles involving complex issues, such as property division, child custody, and spousal support. In contentious divorce cases, expert witnesses play a major role in providing specialized knowledge or opinions on complex issues, such as property valuation, child custody, or financial matters. Their expertise can significantly influence the court’s decision.
Additionally, the assistance of an experienced San Diego divorce lawyer contributes to a more informed and equitable resolution of the divorce. Your attorney can adeptly utilize expert witnesses, leveraging their insights to build a strong case and advocate effectively for your interests.
Types of Expert Witnesses in Divorce Cases
In this blog, we want to shed light on the types of expert witnesses that may be influential in a contentious divorce:
Financial Experts
Financial experts are needed when it comes to resolving property division issues in a contentious divorce. Sadly, it is not uncommon to discover a spouse attempting to hide assets in an effort to retain more of the marital property than they deserve under California state law. If false information regarding financial issues is suspected, financial experts can be called upon to track the movement of assets. These experts have the technological skills to uncover hidden assets, such as in overseas accounts, changes in ownership of properties, and other actions taken to try to reduce the value of marital property.
Child Custody Evaluators and Psychologists
Many contentious divorce cases revolve around child custody, with each party leveling accusations against the other in an attempt to gain sole custody. These cases can be very stressful, as a parent could be accused of child abuse, drug or alcohol abuse, or neglect. False accusations, when they are confirmed to be untrue or no evidence exists, do not sit well with the court in making decisions regarding child custody.
Child psychologists and other certified child experts can interview a child with specialized skills. These evaluations can be critical in getting to the truth to resolve these issues, with the best interests of the child as the guiding principle in divorce court. The testimony of professional child experts can be vital in ensuring a child’s well-being and protecting parental rights.
Real Estate Appraisers
Property is often part of an extensive portfolio of assets in high-net-worth divorces. The valuation of these properties must be accurate, based on the market value. Complex ownership issues, such as partnerships or investments in larger developments, can be more challenging to value. In a divorce, the valuation of properties by a very knowledgeable and seasoned real estate valuation expert is a critical part of determining a fair division of the marital property.
Vocational Experts for Assessing Earning Capacity
In many contentious divorce cases, one spouse was the primary breadwinner for a family, with the other caring for the home and children. A spouse with a high-income profession may have caused the other spouse to sacrifice their education or pursue a career. In these cases, vocational experts can evaluate the employability of a spouse when seeking spousal support, considering the couple’s unique situation.
Medical and Mental Health Professionals
Medical and mental health professionals can be critical witnesses in a contentious divorce. When a spouse is accused of having mental or emotional issues or addictions or is accused of abuse, the testimony of medical and mental health professionals can be vital in decisions regarding child custody and spousal support.
Talk to a San Diego Divorce Lawyer You Can Trust
If you expect to be involved in a contentious divorce or are facing accusations from your spouse, Mattis Law, A.P.C. has the skills and resources to protect your rights and interests. Our San Diego firm has access to some of the most respected expert witnesses, and we are well-versed in knowing how to effectively utilize their expertise in court. Having been named a Top 10 Family Law Attorney by Attorney and Practice Magazine, Amelia Mattis has garnered a reputation for legal excellence in family law.
Call us at (858) 736-9309 to discuss your case today with a free consultation.