The Use of Experts at a Colorado Divorce Trial
Expert witnesses may be hired whenever an independent professional opinion is needed for issues such as:
1. Parenting responsibilities and parenting time (fitness and best interests) by a CFI;;
2. Value of real estate;
3. Value of defined benefit pension plan assets;
4. Value of stock options;
5. Value of a small business; and
6. Earning capacity of one of the spouses.
The most frequently-used expert is the “child and family investigator.” This expert used to be called “special advocate.” The objective is to evaluate parenting skills and parenting abilities of both parents.
If the case is going to be decided at a court hearing, then often both sides will hire their own experts (except for the child and family investigator.) Then there are often 2 experts testifying as to each issue. That is costly and generally ends up being a battle between the experts.
Since an expert may charge $5,000 or more to evaluate the case and testify as to just one specific disputed issue, the cost of a court hearing is greatly increased when experts are used.
Although sometimes one or more experts must be used, the better solution is to negotiate a resolution of any disputed issues. This will reduce the cost and speed up the process.
Or, the parties may be able to hire just one independent expert. This is usually the case if mediation is used.
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