Business Valuation ?

[Downunder]

I have small business that I had before I got married. I'm currently in the process of getting a business and income valuation done for my divorce.

My question is that if the business valuation comes in lower on the date of separation then on the date of marriage - can I deduct that same amount on the money that I have to pay my wife for the equalization for the house, investments, etc ?

My lawyer says no, but I'm unclear if this correct and if so why it that way ?

For example if the business valuation came in higher I would have to pay my wife, why doesn't it work the other way around ?

DU

[momforever1956]

Property equalization is a lot more complicated than it seems.
Having just finished a divorce, I can tell you that my x's business was valued as of April 09, and that mat home was valued as of today's date.
If you came into the marriage with assets then you should be given credit for the value, in other words when I got married I had some money and I was given credit for that.