By Bill Anderson, Senior Valuation Advisor & RICS Associate, Assetica — 2026-05-14
How independent business valuation supports estate planning, inheritance division and matrimonial settlements in the UAE, with reports accepted by DIFC courts and recognised standards.
Estate, inheritance and matrimonial matters involve parties with directly competing interests. A valuation prepared by one side, or self-assessed, will be challenged. An independent valuer with no stake in the outcome provides a value that courts and all parties can accept.
Valuations prepared to RICS and IVS standards by a qualified independent valuer are accepted by DIFC courts and recognised in UAE proceedings. Reports that fall short of recognised standards, or contain material errors, can be challenged and overturned.
Independent business valuations support division of an estate among heirs, inheritance planning and DIFC Wills, matrimonial settlements where a business is a marital asset, and expert witness engagements where a court requires a neutral opinion of value.
Is a business valuation accepted by UAE courts?
Yes. Valuations prepared to RICS and IVS standards by a qualified independent valuer are accepted by DIFC courts and recognised in inheritance and matrimonial proceedings.
Why cannot each party value the business themselves?
Because competing interests make a self-assessed value easy to challenge. An independent valuer provides a neutral figure that withstands scrutiny and that all parties and the court can accept.
Can you act as an expert witness?
Yes. Assetica provides independent valuations and expert witness opinions for estate, inheritance and matrimonial matters in the UAE, prepared to recognised standards.