Reports for Court Proceedings either take the form of a Single Joint Expert Report or an Expert Witness Report. The former is most typically used in Matrimonial proceedings and involves both sides to the dispute jointly agreeing to instruct a singular surveyor, with the surveyor having a duty to report impartially and unbaised.
Surveyors acting as expert witnesses provide a crucial role in judicial proceedings but this is often a more adversarial situation where each side to the case instructs their own expert who is often cross examined. Judges and tribunals rely on their opinions to interpret the evidence put to them, from which they can make informed decisions. The Valuer will also have to comply with the Civil Procedure Rules – Part 35 for expert witnesses and assessors.
One key area in which this is relevant is Peter Barry’s Leasehold Reform work at the First Tier Tribunal (FTT). The peculiarities of the process mean that a surveyor will change their role from a client based relationship during a negotiation, to an expert witness role when presenting evidence to the FTT. The level of impartiality and professionalism demanded of the valuer is substantially higher and a thorough understanding of the procedural process is absolutely vital.
Our Chartered Surveyors Matthew Price BSc MRICS and Steve Hobbs BSc MRICS have both been selected by the President of the FTT to produce expert witness reports for absent landlord claims under the 1987 Act.
Our governing body, the RICS is governed by Royal Charter and as such its primary aim is to maintain and uphold the highest of qualities to ensure that Chartered Surveyors undertake their professional duties to equally high standards.
Our Chartered Surveyors produce work to the highest possible standard, have prepared reports for numerous purposes and would be happy to assist you by email or phone.
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