{"data":{"id":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-2934","jurisdiction":"us-dc","citation":"D.C. Code § 16-2934","heading":"Determination of value.","body":"(a)\nExcept as otherwise provided in subsections (b) through (d) of this section, the court shall determine the fair market value of the real property by ordering an appraisal pursuant to subsection (e) of this section.\n\n(b)\nThe court may accept a previously completed appraisal filed with the court as evidence of value; provided, that:\n(1)\nThe appraisal is dated not earlier than 6 months before the filing of the action;\n(2)\nThe appraisal was completed by a disinterested real estate appraiser licensed in the District; and\n(3)\nNo party objects to the appraised value.\n\n(c)\nIf all cotenants have agreed to the value of the real property or to another method of valuation, the court shall adopt that value or the value produced by the method of valuation.\n\n(d)\nIf the court determines that the evidentiary value of an appraisal is outweighed by the cost of the appraisal, the court, after an evidentiary hearing, shall determine the fair market value of the real property and send notice to the parties of the value.\n\n(e)\n(1)\nIf the court orders an appraisal, the court shall appoint a disinterested real estate appraiser licensed in the District to determine the fair market value of the property assuming sole ownership of the fee simple estate.\n(2)\nOn completion of the appraisal, the appraiser shall file a sworn or verified appraisal with the court.\n\n(f)\nIf an appraisal is conducted pursuant to subsection (e) of this section, not later than 10 days after the appraisal is filed, the court shall send notice to each party with a known address, stating:\n(1)\nThe appraised fair market value of the real property;\n(2)\nThat the appraisal is available at the court clerk's office; and\n(3)\nThat a party may file with the court an objection to the appraisal not later than 30 days after the notice is sent, stating the grounds for the objection.\n\n(g)\n(1)\nIf an appraisal is filed with the court pursuant to subsection (e) of this section, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine the fair market value of the real property not sooner than 31 days after a copy of the notice of the appraisal is sent to each party pursuant to subsection (f) of this section, whether or not an objection to the appraisal is filed as described in subsection (f)(3) of this section.\n(2)\nIn addition to the court-ordered appraisal, the court may consider any other evidence of value offered by a party.\n\n(h)\nAfter a hearing conducted pursuant to subsection (g) of this section, but before considering the merits of the partition action, the court shall determine the fair market value of the real property and send notice to the parties of the value.","path":["Title 16. Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]","Chapter 29. Partition.","Subchapter III. Partition of Real Property."],"source_url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/16-2934","current_through":"2026-08-20 (D.C. Law 26-175)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-29T05:44:07Z","sha256":"7a3b9aa02514b0088547012483875648bf9a4a0debb38ea12c34fd11c196ca60","source_id":"us-dc","stale":false,"prev":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-2933","next":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-2935"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}