We usually do not recommend a desktop appraisal for legal proceedings or disputes that may involve litigation if there is a way for an inspection to be completed. We have found that in a deposition or court testimony, the very first question we are asked is if we have personally inspected the assets.
We are frequently hired to be the joint expert in litigation, serving as the court-designated expert appraiser for both sides of the dispute. In that type of amicable legal situation, a desktop appraisal may be more appropriate.