No one enjoys the idea of going to court, but sometimes you have no choice! If your property has been targeted for an eminent domain project, you’re going through a divorce, settling a family member’s estate, or are involved in another type of property dispute, our team at Ferstl Valuation Services is here to help!
We’ve proudly offered trusted real estate appraisals in Little Rock since 1967, and J.T. Ferstl, MAI, is an Arkansas-licensed attorney who’s also certified in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. We’ve served as real estate expert witnesses in some of the most technical and complex cases, and we’re always ready to help you evaluate your options if you’re headed to court. Here are a few frequently asked questions about expert witness testimony, and we’re always a phone call away if you don’t see the answer to your specific question below:
What is the role of an expert witness? Expert witnesses are individuals with specific technical knowledge who formulate reports that both the plaintiff’s and defendant’s attorneys will see during discovery. The expert witness will be questioned by attorneys on both sides and can speak only to their area of expertise as instructed. An expert witness cannot be your advocate or negotiator, but you can and should hire someone to act in that role.
What types of real estate cases utilize expert testimony? If your property is targeted for an eminent domain project, you have the right to dispute the condemnation in court. You can always count on government agencies showing up to court with a team of highly qualified attorneys, and hiring expert witnesses is a great way to ensure you’re not “outlawyered.” Expert witnesses also frequently testify in contract disputes, divorce proceedings, and property tax settlements.
What are my rights if my property is condemned? The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees your right to receive just compensation if your property is condemned. An independent appraisal helps you protect your interests if you disagree with the government’s valuation, and we’re always happy to back up our appraisal reports with expert witness and rebuttal testimony; we can also help prepare you for cross-examination if you’ll be taking the stand.
If you have any additional questions about expert witness testimony or Little Rock real estate appraisal services, contact us online or at 501-375-1439.
