How to Explain Personal Goodwill to a Trier of Fact for a Divorce Valuation
This is an excerpt from the author’s upcoming sixth edition of Understanding Business Valuation, which will be available from BVR in early 2022.
Personal goodwill likely in martial estate in Wyoming divorce case
In Wyoming, personal goodwill is not part of the marital estate, but it’s likely that some was included in a recent case.
Florida’s Proposed Change to Goodwill Could Set a Precedent
The Family Law Section of the Florida Bar is proposing legislation to clarify the value of goodwill in the marital interest of closely held businesses. The authors envision that this proposed legislation could set a precedent for future family law matters throughout the United States.
Court Affirms Inclusion of Personal Goodwill in Marital Estate, Decides Trial Court Erred in Granting a Judgment Against Husband’s Business
In this divorce case, the Supreme Court of Wyoming allowed the valuation of the husband’s business, which likely included personal goodwill. It also decided that the district court did not abuse its discretion when it valued the husband’s business or ordered him to make an equalization payment. However, the district court erred in granting a judgment against the husband’s business for the equity payment due the wife since the business was not a party to the divorce action.
Snyder v. Snyder
In this divorce case, the Supreme Court of Wyoming allowed the valuation of the husband’s business, which likely included personal goodwill. It also decided that the district court did not abuse its discretion when it valued the husband’s business or ordered him to make an equalization payment. However, the district court erred in granting a judgment against the husband’s business for the equity payment due the wife since the business was not a party to the divorce action.
Asset vs. income approach for valuing goodwill in Tennessee
In Tennessee, personal goodwill is not a marital asset that can be divided between the divorcing parties.
Recap of recent BV cases of note
A number of recent cases have emerged that contain various valuation issues.
Cela v. Cela
The Appellate Court (AC) upheld the trial court’s decision to accept the value under the income approach adjusted for the exclusion of personal goodwill. The expert for the wife (business owner) had used the asset approach reasoning that all goodwill was personal. The trial court and the AC rejected that approach.
Appellate Court Upholds Decision to Use Income Approach and Reduce Personal Goodwill
The Appellate Court (AC) upheld the trial court’s decision to accept the value under the income approach adjusted for the exclusion of personal goodwill. The expert for the wife (business owner) had used the asset approach reasoning that all goodwill was personal. The trial court and the AC rejected that approach.
Kentucky appeals court explains state’s goodwill law
An unpublished opinion from the Kentucky Court of Appeals provides important insight into the court’s thinking as to the goodwill analysis trial courts must perform under the applicable state law when valuing business entities.
Maginnis v. Maginnis
In this unpublished opinion, the Kentucky Appellate Court remanded the decision as to the value of the husband’s business for, among other things, the Family Court’s failure to consider an apportionment of goodwill between enterprise and personal goodwill. It also remanded for a reconsideration of the maintenance award to the wife since that award is based in part on the value of the business and the income of the husband.
Trial Court Fails to Consider Apportionment of Goodwill in a Marital Dissolution Case
In this unpublished opinion, the Kentucky Appellate Court remanded the decision as to the value of the husband’s business for, among other things, the Family Court’s failure to consider an apportionment of goodwill between enterprise and personal goodwill. It also remanded for a reconsideration of the maintenance award to the wife since that award is based in part on the value of the business and the income of the husband.
King v. King
This divorce case appeal deals with three primary issues: the determination of the value of insurance agency marital asset, the determination of the amount of personal goodwill attaching to the insurance agency, and the appropriate amount of alimony. The court remands the value of the business as it relates to the exclusion by the trial court of the liabilities the business owed, remands as to the appropriate amount of personal goodwill, and remands as to the erroneous level of income of the husband for determination of alimony.
Florida Trial Court’s Valuation Findings, Including Personal Goodwill Determination, Do Not Hold Up Under Appeals Court Scrutiny
This divorce case appeal deals with three primary issues: the determination of the value of insurance agency marital asset, the determination of the amount of personal goodwill attaching to the insurance agency, and the appropriate amount of alimony. The court remands the value of the business as it relates to the exclusion by the trial court of the liabilities the business owed, remands as to the appropriate amount of personal goodwill, and remands as to the erroneous level of income of the husband for determination of alimony.
American Business Appraisers and BVR Annual Key Issues Update
Every year American Business Appraisers brings together experts from across the country for a frank and practical discussion of the issues impacting business valuation. This year, everyone is invited to four great sessions. Get a current update on the SBA Paycheck Protection Program and the forgiveness application. Adam Rosenfield gives an overview of what the most recent changes to the program are and how that affects clients/future clients. Get guidance on how the loan and ...
Family Matters: Standard of Value, DLOM/DLOC Discounts and Drama in BV
A buried body, sex surrogates, and family-owned business create a dramatic background for a recent court case impacting valuation. With complex minority discounts, this case kicks off a compelling discussion of key issues in family law. Experts Stacey Udell, Neil Beaton, and Ron Seigneur tackle these thorny issues with clarity and comedy. Get treated to the tricks and tips you’ll want when your next family-owned business engagement rings your doorbell.
BVU News and Trends April 2020
A monthly roundup of key developments of interest to business valuation experts.
Global BVU News and Trends April 2020
Business valuation news from a global perspective.
Sultan v. Malik
Appeals court upholds trial court’s valuation of accounting firm based on asset approach where prevailing expert added goodwill value as intangible; court says intrinsic standard of value does not mandate use of income approach for service-based entity.
Court Approves of Adding Goodwill as Intangible in Asset-Based Valuation of Accounting Practice
Appeals court upholds trial court’s valuation of accounting firm based on asset approach where prevailing expert added goodwill value as intangible; court says intrinsic standard of value does not mandate use of income approach for service-based entity.
Key issues in valuations for divorce
One of the best attended sessions at last fall’s ICAEW Valuations Conference in London was ‘Valuations in Divorce,’ led by PwC’s Sarah Middleton and Jonny Rodwell. These cases continue to show up in the courts—and in the morning papers.
Preliminary agenda out for 2020 AAML/BVR National Divorce Conference
Do you share one of the dirty little secrets of valuation?
Pure vs. Salable Personal Goodwill: Drilling Down in Divorce Valuations
Is goodwill pure? Is it salable? It is time to drill down on everything and anything in goodwill in divorce valuations. Join Bob Dohmeyer and Peter Butler in this case study-filled webinar that will bring clarity to your next valuation. Learn why goodwill is such a mess and what frameworks and thought processes can be added to an appraiser’s toolbox.
Perser v. Perser
Court upholds award to nonowner spouse related to value of husband’s medical practice where husband bought practice prior to marriage and was sole owner; court notes there was goodwill attributable to the business and finds other factors indicate business had assets that were marital property.
Factors Other Than Goodwill Support Award to Nonowner Spouse Related to Owner’s Medical Practice
Court upholds award to nonowner spouse related to value of husband’s medical practice where husband bought practice prior to marriage and was sole owner; court notes there was goodwill attributable to the business and finds other factors indicate business had assets that were marital property.