Whether you are facing an ownership dispute over a residential property or an inheritance/estate dispute, testimony from an expert witness may help. Having an expert witness testify on your behalf can have a substantial impact on the outcome of your case.
There are many legal situations that may call for testimony from a real estate expert witness in Arkansas. If you have been contemplating hiring an expert witness for your case, here is what you can expect when you hire one.
The Initial Consultation
Above all else, it is important to realize that real estate expert witnesses are impartial professionals. Ultimately, their loyalty is not with one side of the legal dispute, but with the courts as they aim to assist in reaching a final decision on the matter at hand. Because expert witnesses are seen as authorities in their field and are recognized by the court system as legitimate resources during legal proceedings, having one testify during your case could help you. It is recommended that you begin the process of hiring an expert witness by scheduling an initial consultation, during which you can speak with a professional about the details of your case free-of-charge.
An Expert Witness Report
Should you choose to hire an expert witness, the most important document he or she will provide the court with is an expert witness report. The details of this report will be specific to your unique case, but it is important to understand that the findings of this report will be visible not just by you, but the entire court (including your opponent in the case). At the same time, should your opponent hire an expert witness of his or her own, the findings of their report will also be visible to you and your legal team.
Impartial, Expert Testimony
In addition to a formal report, your real estate expert witness will provide real-time testimony in court explaining his or her opinion on the details of the case. For example, in a dispute over eminent domain in Arkansas, a homeowner may choose to file a lawsuit against a city government if there is a dispute over the value of the property in question. Here, a real estate expert witness (as well as a real estate appraiser) may be able to testify in regards to:
- the objective assessed/appraised value of the property
- the values of other nearby properties affected
- other pertinent details about the case
At Ferstl Valuation Services, we have years of experience in serving as real estate expert witnesses and licensed appraisers in the state of Arkansas. If you have been thinking about hiring an expert witness for assistance with your residential or commercial case, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with us by calling (501) 313-0641 today.
