Independent Business Valuations for Family Law Property Settlements
When a business, professional practice, or other commercial interest forms part of the property pool, the Court requires a reliable and independent valuation. Shields Forensics provides specialist business valuations for property settlement matters in the Federal Circuit and Family Court.
Arnold Shields approaches every family law valuation with the same standard of independence and professional rigour, regardless of how the appointment arises. Whether instructed as a nominated expert, agreed between the parties, or appointed as a single joint expert, the methodology, the analysis, and the opinion are the same. All valuation reports are prepared in compliance with the applicable rules of the Federal Circuit and Family Court.
The expert's duty is to the Court - not to either party.
INDEPENDENCE IS NOT NEGOTIABLE
BUSINESSES AND INTERESTS WE VALUE
Broad experience across industries, structures, and levels of complexity.
Professional Practices
Medical, dental, legal, accounting, veterinary, and allied health practices. Particular attention to the treatment of personal vs commercial goodwill.
Retail, Hospitality & Food
Restaurants, cafés, retail stores, franchise operations. Lease arrangements, location-dependent goodwill, owner-operator impact on earnings.
Complex Structures
Businesses operating through trusts, holding companies, multiple related entities, and joint ventures. Income tracing and individual interest valuation.
Trades & Construction
Building, electrical, plumbing, civil works. Work in progress, contract pipelines, and the distinction between personal and commercial goodwill.
E-Commerce & Digital
Online retail, marketplace businesses, SaaS. Arnold has founded and scaled an e-commerce business to $10M+ in sales - first-hand understanding of these revenue models.
Partnerships & Joint Ventures
Individual interests in partnerships and co-owned enterprises, including transfer restrictions, pre-emptive rights, and buy-out provisions.
HOW THE ENGAGEMENT WORKS
From instruction to report.
01.Confidential call with the instructing solicitor. No charge. Arnold discusses scope, timetable, documents required, and provides an indicative fee estimate.
Initial Discussion
02.Written fee estimate setting out scope, documents required, timeframe, and fees. Fixed-fee arrangements available for defined-scope valuations.
Fee Estimate
& Scope
03.Document review, site visit and management interview where appropriate. Arnold personally conducts all analysis and forms the opinion.
Analysis
04.Valuation report to FCFCA standards. Available for oral evidence, conclaves, and concurrent evidence (hot tub) where required.
Report & Evidence
CREDENTIALS
Qualifications
Chartered Accountant (CA) - CAANZ
Business Valuation Specialist (BVS) - CAANZ
Diploma of Financial Services
GDip Accounting - UTS
BA - University of Sydney
COURTS
Federal Circuit and Family Court
Supreme Court of NSW
Federal Court of Australia
NSW District Court
Victoria County Court
SUPERANNUATION VALUATIONS
Superannuation interests valued for property settlements.
Superannuation can represent one of the largest assets in a property pool. Shields Forensics provides valuations of superannuation interests for property settlement proceedings, including defined benefit interests requiring specialist expertise.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does a business valuation involve in family law proceedings?
1
The Court requires an independent expert opinion on the market value of the business interest — that is, the price a hypothetical willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an arm's length transaction. The process involves reviewing financial records, understanding operations, selecting and applying appropriate methodology, and producing a detailed written report.
How is a business valuation expert selected in family law?
2
One party's solicitor typically nominates a shortlist of three qualified valuers. The other party selects one. Regardless of who nominates or selects the expert, the valuer's duty is to the Court. The same independent opinion should result regardless of who made the appointment.
How long does a family law business valuation take?
3
A straightforward SME valuation can typically be completed within four to six weeks of receiving all required information. More complex matters take longer. Arnold provides an estimated timeframe at the outset and is committed to meeting court-ordered deadlines.
What is the difference between personal and commercial goodwill?
4
Commercial goodwill attaches to the business itself and transfers to a new owner. Personal goodwill is attributable to the owner's personal reputation and relationships and leaves with them. Both types are generally included in the asset pool in family law, but the distinction affects the valuation.
Does Shields Forensics act for one party or for the Court?
5
Shields Forensics may be nominated by one party, selected by the other, or appointed as a single joint expert. In every case, the expert's overriding duty is to the Court. Arnold does not act as an advocate for either party.
Discuss Your Family Law Valuation Matter
Whether you are a family lawyer preparing a shortlist or a party with questions about the valuation process, Arnold welcomes your enquiry. All initial discussions are confidential and without obligation.
Or call 0421 721 791 to discuss your matter directly