Journal

Expert witness work in art valuation

Litigation support is the same impartial opinion of value, explained. It is not advocacy for a figure.

Expert witness work in fine art is an opinion of value, under USPAP, explained to a mediator or a court. It is not a performance on behalf of a number.

Typical questions are a disputed estate figure, an equitable-distribution schedule, a donation under review, or a loss. If a report already exists, testimony is a separate engagement. The opinion is not enlarged to help a narrative.

Conflicts

A fee that depends on the judgment is a conflict. Coaching that the number needs to land here is a reason to decline. Counsel owns the legal theory. The appraiser owns the valuation. Authorship disputes need a different expert.

All notes