Why Most Business Appraisers Avoid Expert Witness Testimony — And Why Robert Hulet Excels
- Business Valuation Solutions
- Sep 27
- 3 min read
When business owners or attorneys face disputes such as divorce valuations, shareholder disagreements, or partner buyouts, they often need more than just a certified business valuation. They need a qualified expert witness who can stand behind that valuation in court. But here’s the truth: most certified business appraisers do not like to provide expert witness testimony. While many are comfortable crunching numbers and preparing valuation reports, very few are willing—or able—to handle the pressure of the courtroom.
Why Appraisers Avoid Expert Witness Testimony
Expert witness testimony is one of the most demanding aspects of business valuation work. Here are a few reasons most appraisers avoid it:
Cross-Examination is Intense
In court, every assumption and calculation can be challenged by opposing counsel. A valuation expert must be prepared for hours of questioning and remain calm, professional, and consistent under pressure.
Preparation is Time-Consuming
Testifying as an expert witness requires meticulous preparation. Every line of the valuation report must be defensible, and the appraiser must anticipate questions from multiple angles.
Communication Skills Are Critical
Many appraisers are highly technical, comfortable with financial models, but struggle to communicate findings in a way that judges, juries, and attorneys can clearly understand. Staying “in the weeds” of valuation details can cause testimony to lose impact.
Qualification Standards Are High
Courts require expert witnesses to have the right mix of education, certifications, experience, and professional training. Even then, credibility hinges on the ability to explain complex valuation concepts clearly and persuasively.
Because of these challenges, qualified expert witnesses in business valuation are rare.
What Makes a Strong Testimony Expert Witness in Business Appraisals?
To be effective in the courtroom, an expert witness must bring more than technical knowledge.
The most effective business appraiser testimony experts have:
Certifications and credentials (CBA, CVA, ASA, or similar)
Proven courtroom experience
Clear communication skills that bridge complex financial analysis and legal arguments
A track record of working with attorneys on complicated valuation cases
The ability to stay calm and credible under cross-examination
Without these qualities, even the most technically correct valuation may fail to persuade a judge.
Why Attorneys Trust Robert Hulet, CBA, CVA
At Business Valuation Solutions in Pacific Grove, CA (Monterey County), Robert Hulet stands out as a business valuation expert who is not only certified, but also highly effective in the courtroom.
Qualified and Credentialed: Robert holds both the Certified Business Appraiser (CBA) and Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) designations.
Courtroom Experience: He has served as an expert witness in divorce proceedings.
Exceptional Communication Skills: Unlike many appraisers who remain overly technical, Robert communicates valuation results with clarity, making them understandable to judges, attorneys, and business owners.
Trusted by Attorneys: He has worked alongside legal teams on some of the most complicated valuation cases, earning a reputation for professionalism, thoroughness, and credibility. Many of his cases get settled before they go to Court because his reports are complete and defensible.
When attorneys and business owners in Monterey County, Pacific Grove, and the greater California area need expert witness testimony for small business valuations, they turn to Robert Hulet. But Robert's work is not limited to California. Robert has testified in Alaska and has worked on cases from Alaska to Florida.
The Bottom Line
Expert witness testimony in business valuations is not for everyone. Most appraisers shy away from the courtroom because the stakes are high, the scrutiny is intense, and the communication skills required go beyond technical analysis.
But when a case depends on a credible, experienced business valuation expert witness, Robert Hulet CBA, CVA at Business Valuation Solutions is the professional attorneys trust.
Contact Business Valuation Solutions if you need a business valuation expert witness for a divorce, shareholder dispute, or other legal matter:
Business Valuation Solutions
Pacific Grove, CA – Monterey County
📞 888-335-2253
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