Expert Witnesses

What you should know about Expert Witnesses:

WHEN DO I NEED AN EXPERT?
To Value Assets:

An expert is a person with special knowledge about a subject that qualifies the person to give an opinion in court. We must value everything of importance in a case. Are the values of the assets high enough to justify the cost of an expert appraiser? Do you know an approximate value? Are the estimations you and your spouse each gave close enough? Is there another method to get a true value (internet information, sales of similar items, etc.)?

Do you need a personal property appraiser for a collection of things (cars, tools, antiques, stamps)?

Do you need an appraisal of real estate? Do you need to determine the real estate value before the marriage started and the increase/decrease in value due to marital contributions or due to market forces?

To Recommend Parenting:

If custody (allocation of parental rights and responsibilities) is an issue, will it be helpful to have a psychologist or counselor to guide the court in its decisions? Do the children or parents have psychological disorders?

To Value a Business or Determine True Income:

Do you need an accountant/business appraiser to help gain income information and determine the value of a business or partnership? Is a vocational expert needed to show potential income for an unemployed or under-employed spouse or to show the need for education and training to become self-supporting? Can a professional help show future expenses?

To Value a Retirement Asset:

Do you need an evaluation of a defined benefit pension to determine its present value? Have the holdings in a defined contribution retirement plan changed over time and need to be traced?

Costs and Expenses:

Most experts expect a retainer fee before beginning to work. Some will do the work for a fixed fee and others will bill hourly against the retainer. These litigation costs are always borne by the client and are not part of the attorney's fees.

THIS INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO BE A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF EXPERT WITNESSES IN SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO AND IS NOT INTENDED AS LEGAL ADVICE ON YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. IT IS ONLY INTENDED TO ASSIST YOU IN UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS.
IF YOU SHOULD HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT THE OFFICE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT - Phone: 330-752-2168 Toll-Free: 877-351-1436.

Call today to schedule an appointment with Melissa Graham-Hurd.
Ohio Family Law Attorney

Melissa Graham-Hurd 333 South Main St. Suite 301 Akron, Ohio 44308 Phone: 330-752-2168 Toll-Free: 877-351-1436

The use of the Internet for communications with the firm will not establish an attorney-client relationship and messages containing confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent.

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.

Melissa Graham-Hurd provides legal services for clients in Akron, Barberton, Bath, Canal Fulton, Canton, Copley, Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, Green, Hudson, Jackson Twp., Lakemore, Macedonia, Massillon, North Canton, Norton, Peninsula, Springfield Twp., Stow, Twinsburg, Wadsworth, Wooster, Stark County, Summit County, Wayne County, and Medina County