What to Expect in a Certified Business Valuation

Whether you’re a small-business owner preparing to sell, an attorney supporting a client in litigation, or someone navigating the financial side of a divorce, knowing the fair market value of a business is essential. A certified business valuation delivers an objective, defensible opinion of value you can rely on for negotiations, settlements, or strategic planning.

Here’s what you can expect from a professional valuation—and why choosing the right expert matters.

1. Consultation & Engagement

We start with a clear discussion about your goals:

• Are you selling your company or buying out a partner?

• Do you need a valuation for divorce or shareholder disputes?

• Are you preparing for succession or applying for an SBA loan?

Understanding your purpose helps me tailor the scope of work and comply with professional standards such as USPAP and AICPA guidelines.

2. Information Gathering

Accurate valuations depend on solid data. I will request:

• Three to five years of financial statements or tax returns

• Completed Business Valuation Questionnaire

• Details on customer contracts, leases, or key agreements

• Owner compensation, payroll, perks, and other operational data

Organized records not only make the process smoother—they ensure your valuation reflects the complete picture.

3. Business & Industry Review

Next, we look beyond the numbers:

• How is your revenue trending?

• What’s the competitive landscape in your industry?

• Are there economic or regulatory factors impacting value?

For attorneys and divorcing spouses, this step also clarifies how market realities intersect with legal requirements.

4. Applying Proven Valuation Methods

I use time-tested industry approaches to estimate value:

• Income Approach – Focuses on cash flow and earnings potential

• Market Approach – Compares your business to similar recent sales

• Asset-Based Approach – Adjusts tangible and intangible assets to fair market value

The right mix depends on your business type, purpose of valuation, and available data.

5. Delivering the Valuation Report

My certified valuation reports include:

• An executive summary and clear opinion of value

• Business description and market context

• Detailed financial analysis and adjustments

• Explanation of valuation methods and assumptions

For divorces, buy-sell agreements, or court proceedings, having a well-supported valuation is crucial for protecting your interests.

6. Review & Next Steps

After delivering the report, I will meet with you (and your attorney or broker, if applicable) to:

• Answer questions about assumptions and calculations

• Highlight value drivers and potential risks

• Offer insights on increasing business value or preparing for sale

Why Choose a Certified Business Valuation

A certified valuation gives you credibility and peace of mind—whether you’re:

• Selling your company or planning an exit strategy

• Negotiating a divorce settlement or shareholder agreement

• Representing a client who needs a defensible opinion of value

Working with an experienced valuation professional ensures accuracy, objectivity, and compliance with recognized standards.

Take the Next Step

At Business Valuation Solutions, I help small-business owners, attorneys, and individuals in transition make confident financial decisions. Whether you need a valuation for divorce, litigation, selling, or buying a business, I provide thorough, certified reports and clear guidance.

📞 Call me today or request a consultation online to discuss your needs and learn how I can support you through the valuation process.

PS: Be leery of valuations costing less than $2,000 as many of those are automated reports that can easily get it wrong. A solid, defensible valuation takes a thorough analysis. Be sure to ask questions of how the analysis is generated, who will be doing the work, and how conclusions will be deduced. A typical valuation will take 20+ hours to complete on the low end so be sure someone is actually doing the work.