How to Value Assets for Divorce in Queensland

Every asset in your property pool must be valued before you can negotiate a fair split. Get the valuations wrong and the entire settlement calculation is built on a false foundation. The critical rule: assets are valued at the date of settlement or hearing, not the date you separated.

Real Estate

For Consent Orders (Amicable Settlements)

If you and your former partner agree on the property's value, a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a local real estate agent is usually sufficient. Most agents will provide this free of charge. Get two or three CMAs and use the average.

For Disputed Matters

If you can't agree on value, you'll need a formal valuation from a certified practising valuer (CPV) registered with the Australian Property Institute. A formal residential valuation typically costs $300-$600 in Queensland. For investment properties, rural land, or properties with unusual features, expect $500-$1,500.

The Valuation Date Issue

If your property was worth $650,000 at separation but $720,000 at the time of filing consent orders, the $720,000 figure is the one that counts. This can work for or against you depending on market movements, which is why delays in settling can create unexpected shifts in the property pool.

Superannuation

• Accumulation funds: use the current account balance from the member statement
• Defined benefit funds: require actuarial calculations under the Family Law (Superannuation) Regulations 2025 — the fund trustee or an independent actuary provides the value
• SMSFs: need an independent valuation of all underlying assets (property, shares, cash) by a qualified accountant

Request current information by submitting a Superannuation Information Request Form and Form 6 Declaration to each fund's trustee. Public sector funds administered by CSC charge $150-$165 per request.

Vehicles

Use the current market value, not the purchase price. Redbook (redbook.com.au) provides free valuations for most Australian vehicles based on make, model, year, and condition. For motorcycles, boats, and caravans, use similar industry guides or dealer quotes.

Business Interests

Business valuation is the most complex and expensive part of asset assessment. Methods include:

• Capitalisation of future earnings: projects future profit and applies a multiplier based on industry risk. Common for profitable businesses with stable income.
• Net asset valuation: adds up all business assets (equipment, inventory, receivables, goodwill) and subtracts liabilities. Used for asset-heavy businesses or those being wound down.
• Market-based valuation: compares the business to recent sales of similar businesses. Less common due to limited comparable data for small businesses.

For sole traders and small businesses, a qualified accountant can often provide a valuation based on the tax returns and financial statements. For larger businesses, partnerships, or companies with complex structures, an independent business valuer (certified by the Institute of Chartered Accountants or similar) is advisable.

Expect to pay $2,000-$10,000 for a formal business valuation depending on complexity.

Shares, Investments, and Other Financial Assets

• Listed shares and managed funds: use the current market value from the broker or fund manager
• Unlisted shares and private company interests: require an independent valuation
• Cryptocurrency: use the current exchange rate from a recognised exchange
• Life insurance with a cash surrender value: contact the insurer for the current surrender value

Trust Interests

A discretionary interest in a family trust (where a party is a beneficiary but doesn't control distributions) is classified as a "financial resource" rather than property. It's excluded from the primary pool but factored into the future needs assessment, which can shift the percentage split.

Practical Approach

For amicable settlements heading toward consent orders, you don't need to spend thousands on formal valuations for every asset. Agree on reasonable values using market data (CMAs for property, Redbook for cars, member statements for super), document your agreed values in writing, and use formal valuations only for disputed items or complex assets like businesses and SMSFs.

The Queensland Financial Split Guide includes an asset-debt inventory worksheet with built-in valuation guidance for each asset category.

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