Independent

Business Valuations

Built for Scrutiny

Legal Solutions

Structured valuation analysis for divorce and

probate matters involving closely held businesses

Serving divorce and probate counsel in Minnesota.

Structured Valuation Experience

500+

Business Valuations

Divorce & Probate

Primary Focus

Court-Prepared

Reports & Testimony

Independent

No Transactional Incentive

When Business Value Becomes Material to Outcome

Business interests can materially affect settlement structure, support calculations,

asset division, and estate distribution.

• Settlement structure

• Support calculations

• Asset division

• Estate distribution

• Litigation posture

When valuation conclusions are relied upon in adversarial or court-supervised settings,

scope clarity, income normalization integrity, and documented methodology become central.

Structured valuation analysis reduces avoidable vulnerability and is performed in accordance

with recognized professional standards.

Common Sources of Structural Vulnerability

Valuation analyses prepared outside a litigation context may not be structured for divorce or

probate scrutiny.

When introduced in adversarial or court-supervised settings, structural weaknesses may become

exposed.

Areas where vulnerability often appears include:

• Tax-purpose reports introduced in litigation

• Income normalization adjustments lacking reconciliation or documentation

• Owner compensation assumptions without market support

• Undefined valuation premise or intended use

• Limited traceability of data sources and methodology

Clarity, documentation, and defined scope materially influence how valuation conclusions withstand review.

Structural Components of a Litigation-Ready Valuation

Valuation analysis relied upon in divorce and probate matters requires defined scope, disciplined normalization, documented methodology, and structural independence.

The following components guide each engagement:

Scope

Alignment

Engagement parameters and intended use are defined in writing.

Valuation premise and reporting structure are aligned with the specific legal context.

Income Normalization

Integrity

Adjustments are identified, supported, and reconciled.

Owner compensation, discretionary expenses, and non-recurring items are analyzed with documented rationale.

Methodology

Documentation

Selected valuation approaches are applied in a traceable manner.

Data sources, assumptions, and calculations are clearly documented.

Intended Use

Discipline

Reports are structured specifically for divorce or probate matters.

Language, assumptions, and conclusions reflect the defined purpose of the analysis.

Independence by

Design

Valuation conclusions are prepared without advocacy posture.

No brokerage or transactional conflicts influence the analysis.

Defined scope, documented methodology, and structural neutrality support conclusions prepared for scrutiny.

Engagement

Structure

Valuation engagements follow a defined sequence.

Scope, documentation, and communication expectations are established at the outset and maintained throughout the process.

01-

Engagement & Scope Definition

Engagement terms, intended use, and reporting parameters are defined in writing.

Valuation premise and timeline expectations are aligned with litigation or estate administration schedules.

02-

Data Collection

Financial records, supporting documentation, and relevant contextual materials are requested in accordance with defined scope.

Document exchange is handled through structured and confidential process.

03-

Methodology Application

Appropriate valuation approaches are selected and applied in accordance with the defined purpose of the engagement.

Assumptions, inputs, and calculations are documented and traceable.

04-

Report Delivery

Conclusions are presented in a structured written report suitable for review in divorce or probate context.

Defined scope, methodology, and supporting analysis are clearly articulated.

Engagement workflow is structured to align with litigation calendars and recurring law firm needs.

Independence by Design

Valuation conclusions relied upon in divorce and probate matters require structural neutrality.

Independence is established through written engagement terms, defined intended use, documented methodology, and separation from transactional or advocacy interests.

STRUCTURAL SAFEGUARDS

• Engagement scope and intended use defined in writing

• No contingent fee arrangements

• No brokerage or transaction advisory overlap

• Assumptions, data sources, and normalization adjustments documented and traceable

• Defined communication parameters established at engagement outset

NEUTRALITY IN PRACTICE

Valuation analysis is prepared without advocacy posture

or outcome orientation.

Conclusions reflect documented findings derived

from applied methodology, not litigation strategy.

CONFIDENTIALITY PROTOCOL

Materials are handled through defined and confidential document exchange procedures.

Information is maintained in accordance with professional confidentiality expectations.

Structural neutrality supports valuation conclusions prepared for scrutiny and capable of independent review.

Defined neutrality reduces avoidable credibility exposure for counsel.

Structured Coordination with Counsel

Valuation analysis in divorce and probate matters requires defined coordination.

Communication parameters, scope alignment, and timeline expectations are established at engagement outset and maintained throughout the process.

DEFINED COMMUNICATION PARAMETERS

Primary points of contact are identified at engagement initiation.

Document requests, scope clarifications, and reporting milestones are communicated through structured channels.

CONSISTENT ENGAGEMENT STRUCTURE

Recurring matters follow defined intake procedures and reporting format.

Established documentation expectations reduce onboarding variability.

TIMELINE ALIGNMENT

Engagement timelines are aligned with litigation calendars or estate administration schedules.

Delivery expectations and reporting cadence are defined in advance.

FORMAL SCOPE CONTROL

Material scope changes or additional information requirements are documented and communicated in writing.

This preserves clarity throughout the engagement lifecycle.

Defined coordination supports predictable engagement experience for firms managing recurring business matters.

When to Involve Valuation

Analysis

Valuation analysis is not required in every matter.

Involvement becomes material when business interests may influence settlement structure, estate distribution, or litigation posture.

Engagement is typically warranted when:

• Business value materially affects division, support, or distribution outcomes

• An opposing valuation has been introduced or anticipated

• Income normalization adjustments are disputed or unclear

• The business is closely held, owner-operated, or cash-intensive

• Probate includes an operating company with ongoing revenue generation

Early structural analysis reduces avoidable procedural and evidentiary exposure.

ACCESS

Confidential Discussion

Valuation matters involving closely held businesses require defined scope

and structural neutrality.

Discussions are reserved for matters within divorce or probate context where

independent valuation analysis is materially relevant.

Business Valuation & Market Analysis

We provide professional, data-driven business valuations to determine a realistic and defensible market value. Our analysis combines financial performance, industry trends, SBA-backed data, and comparable sales to give owners and investors clarity before making major decisions.

Business Sales & Acquisitions (M&A Advisory)

BizVal Partners represents sellers and buyers throughout the entire transaction process. From confidential marketing and buyer qualification to negotiations and due diligence, we manage each step to ensure smooth, professional, and successful closings.

Exit Planning & Value Optimization

We help business owners prepare for sale—whether that’s now or years down the road. This includes identifying value drivers, reducing risk factors, improving financial presentation, and positioning the business to command maximum value when it goes to market.

Strategic Advisory for Owners & Investors

We advise business owners and investors on growth strategies, acquisitions, and transition planning. Whether you’re expanding through acquisition, evaluating opportunities, or structuring a deal, we provide objective insights to support smart, profitable decisions.

Business Owners Steps to Success

Discovery & Confidential Consultation

We start with a private, no-pressure conversation to understand your goals—whether you’re preparing to sell, exploring options, or considering acquisition. Confidentiality is always our top priority.

Professional Business Valuation

Next, we perform a data-driven valuation using financial analysis, market comps, and SBA-backed benchmarks to determine a realistic and defensible market value for your business.

Strategic Positioning & Marketing

We position your business to attract qualified buyers or ideal opportunities—crafting a compelling story, identifying the right buyer pool, and marketing discreetly through our national investor network.

Negotiation, Due Diligence & Closing

We manage negotiations, guide due diligence, and coordinate with lenders, attorneys, and CPAs to ensure a smooth, efficient closing—maximizing value and minimizing stress.