Technical valuations with probative validity before civil, family, and administrative courts
When do you need a judicial appraisal?
A judicial appraisal is the technical evidence that determines the value of an asset within a legal proceeding. It is needed whenever the value of property, machinery, or assets is the subject of judicial controversy. Divorce with marital property division: the Costa Rican Family Code requires valuation of community assets for equitable division. Partition among heirs in dispute: when probate cannot be resolved by agreement and goes to court. Commercial litigation with value dispute: bankruptcies, forced sales, foreclosures, corporate dissolution. Seizure and auction: setting the base price for judicial auction. Eminent domain / expropriation: valuation of properties subject to expropriation by MOPT, CNE, AyA, ICE, ARESEP, or municipalities, under Expropriation Law 9286. Damage lawsuits: quantification of property damages. In every case, the expert evidence must come from an appraiser licensed by CFIA and, when required, also registered with the Judicial Branch.
Types of court proceedings where it applies
We work across all circuits and matters in Costa Rica's judicial system. Civil court: property disputes, mortgage foreclosures, auctions, co-ownership disputes, easements, enforcement of purchase-sale contracts. Family court: divorces, judicial separations, marital property liquidation, alimony based on net worth. Administrative (contentious-administrative) court: expropriations by state institutions, lawsuits against municipalities over cadastral value, claims against the State. Agrarian court: farm disputes, rural boundaries, IDA/INDER land settlers. Private arbitration: commercial arbitration centers and contractual disputes. Contentious notarial proceedings: notarial probates that turn into disputes. In each matter we adapt methodology and report format to the requirements of the corresponding judicial operator.
What the expert report includes
Every judicial appraisal is structured to withstand rebuttal in court. Introduction with expert's qualifications: CFIA number, Judicial Branch registration, relevant experience. Purpose of the appraisal: specific question the expert is asked to answer. Asset description: registry data, cadastral plan, geographic location, physical characteristics, photographs. Methodology applied: justification of the method (comparison, cost, income capitalization) according to the case and asset type. Market analysis: real comparables with registry documentation. Detailed calculation memorandum: every figure traceable and auditable. Conclusions: response to the technical question posed. Attached documents: ownership certification, cadastral plan, photographs, tabulations. The entire report is designed to defend every figure under cross-examination.
Our methodology for court
Judicial appraisals require higher technical demands than commercial appraisals because they must withstand opposing counsel's challenges. We apply International Valuation Standards (IVS) and CFIA standards with reinforced rigor. Exhaustive documentation of comparables: every comparable cited includes legal ID number, property folio, and transaction date, so opposing counsel cannot discredit it. Inspection with witnesses or notarial record when the case warrants. Geo-referenced photographs with GPS coordinates and timestamps. Method-sensitive analysis: when multiple methods apply, we calculate by several and justify the final result. Availability for amendments: when the court requests clarifications or supplementary reports, we respond within procedural deadlines. Expert witness appearance: Eng. Díaz appears in court when the process requires, explaining methodology and answering questions from judge and parties.
Court validity and nationwide coverage
Our report has full probative validity before every Costa Rican court. Eng. José Alberto Díaz V. is registered with the Judicial Branch Expert Registry and can be appointed directly by the judge or proposed by one of the parties. Circuit coverage: San José Judicial Circuit I, San José Judicial Circuit II, Alajuela Judicial Circuit, Cartago Judicial Circuit, Heredia Judicial Circuit, Limón Judicial Circuit, Puntarenas Judicial Circuit, Guanacaste Judicial Circuit, Pérez Zeledón Judicial Circuit (southern zone). When a case requires travel from base, we adjust fees for per diems. Hearing availability is coordinated in advance according to court schedule.
What's included?
Report with probative validity before every Costa Rican court
Expert registered with the Judicial Branch Expert Registry
Solid technical foundation to withstand opposing counsel challenges
Available for expert witness appearances at hearings
Experience in divorces, contested probates, and expropriations
Inspection with geo-referenced photographs for traceability
Nationwide coverage in all judicial circuits
CFIA licensure with over 20 years of experience
Frequently asked questions
How much does a judicial appraisal cost in Costa Rica?
It depends on case complexity, asset type and quantity, and availability for hearing appearances. Judicial appraisals are usually quoted higher than standard appraisals due to evidentiary responsibility, foundation requirements, and potential amendments. See reference ranges. Contact us with case details (type of lawsuit, asset, court) for an exact quote.
How long does the expert report take?
Typically 7-15 business days from inspection, adjusted to the court's timeframe. When the judge sets a shorter deadline due to hearing schedule, we prioritize. For urgent processes with imminent hearings, we deliver in 48-72 hours with priority surcharge.
Can the expert be appointed directly by the judge?
Yes. We are registered with the Judicial Branch Expert Registry and can be appointed ex officio by the judge, proposed by one party, or named by mutual agreement. All three paths are valid under the Costa Rican Code of Civil Procedure.
What documents does the expert need?
Copy of the judicial file (or relevant portions), resolution ordering the appraisal, ownership certification, cadastral plan, and physical access to the asset. If any is missing, we guide you on how to obtain it from the National Registry or the court.
Can you appear at hearings to defend the report?
Yes. Eng. Díaz appears as expert witness to explain methodology, findings, and answer questions from judge and parties. It's a frequent appearance in divorce proceedings with liquidation, expropriations, and commercial disputes. Coordinated in advance by hearing date and time.
Do you serve cases outside the GAM or in rural areas?
Yes. Nationwide coverage — every judicial circuit in the country. We frequently work in Liberia (Guanacaste), Puntarenas, Limón, Pérez Zeledón, and agrarian circuits. Fees adjust for per diems when travel outside our Pérez Zeledón and Curridabat bases is required.
Need an appraisal for a court case?
Request a no-obligation quote. We respond within 24 hours.
