When vehicles are part of a legal proceeding — whether estate settlement, divorce, bankruptcy, or charitable donation — the stakes are too high for an unofficial estimate. Courts, the IRS, and attorneys require a certified, independent appraisal that documents the vehicle's fair market value with professional credibility and legal defensibility.
Orlando Auto Appraisers provides ASCAA certified, USPAP-compliant estate vehicle appraisals throughout Orange County, Seminole County, and Osceola County. Our reports are accepted by Florida probate courts, family law courts, bankruptcy trustees, and the Internal Revenue Service.
The personal representative of a Florida estate is legally required to inventory and value all assets, including all motor vehicles, motorcycles, boats, and recreational vehicles. While standard vehicles may be assigned a book value, the situation becomes more complex when the estate includes:
In these situations, a certified professional appraisal is essential. Our reports document the vehicle's condition, compare it to actual market sales data, and produce a defensible fair market value that stands up to scrutiny from beneficiaries, co-heirs, and the courts. We coordinate with estate attorneys across the Orlando metro area and can typically complete an estate appraisal quickly to meet probate filing deadlines.
In Florida divorce proceedings, all marital assets must be valued for equitable distribution under Florida Statute §61.075. Vehicles are often among the most contested assets, particularly when one spouse argues the vehicle is worth significantly more or less than the other claims.
A certified independent appraisal eliminates the dispute by providing a neutral, professional determination of fair market value. Our appraisals are frequently requested by family law attorneys throughout Orlando, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, and the broader Central Florida legal community.
For Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings, the bankruptcy trustee requires accurate vehicle valuations. An independent certified appraisal is more defensible than retail book values and can prevent the trustee from overvaluing assets that would affect your exemptions. We provide bankruptcy vehicle appraisals that meet the standards required by the Middle District of Florida Bankruptcy Court in Orlando.
If you are donating a vehicle with a claimed value of more than $5,000 to a charity, the IRS requires a qualified written appraisal to support your deduction. This is particularly common for classic car owners donating vehicles to museums, charities, and non-profit organizations.
Our IRS-compliant vehicle appraisals satisfy the requirements of:
Our certified appraisers meet the IRS definition of a "qualified appraiser" and our reports meet the "qualified appraisal" standards required for charitable deductions. We provide these appraisals throughout Central Florida and can conduct inspections at your location.
Serving Orlando, Orange County, Seminole County, Osceola County, and all of Central Florida. We coordinate with attorneys and estate professionals.