Silhouetted man and woman facing away, heads in hands, conveying conflict. Text: "High-Conflict Divorce & Real Estate: A 730 Expert's Playbook for Non-Cooperation." The Mowery Group logo.

How a 730 Expert Manages Non-Cooperation in
High-Conflict Divorce Cases Involving Real Estate

In high-conflict divorces, it’s not uncommon for one spouse to become non-cooperative—especially when real estate and finances are on the line. When this happens, the divorce process can stall, and court-ordered objectives can be delayed. One effective way to
move the process forward is by involving a neutral, court-appointed expert under California Evidence Code Section 730, commonly referred to as a “730 expert.”

At The Mowery Group, we understand how non-compliance can disrupt even the best-laid legal strategies. With decades of experience acting as 730 experts in complex divorce cases, we know how to manage uncooperative parties while protecting the integrity of the case.

What Happens When One Spouse Won’t Cooperate?

Non-cooperation can take many forms:

  •  Refusing to sign documents such as the listing, offers, and escrow agreements.
  •  Blocking access to jointly owned property
  •  Asking for unreasonable terms or conditions of sale.

These actions can stall real estate valuations, delay the listing and sale of property, and create additional legal costs for both sides. In severe cases, they may result in court sanctions.

The Role of a 730 Expert in Resolving These Challenges

As neutral third-party evaluators, 730 experts can:

  •  Request and review property documents and valuations
  •  Provide the court with accurate, unbiased assessments
  • Communicate directly with attorneys to keep the process moving
  •  Document instances of non-compliance for use in court

In our role, we follow strict protocols and keep meticulous records, which help judges make informed decisions when one party is being obstructive

Strategies We Use to Navigate Non-Cooperation

Here’s how The Mowery Group helps mitigate resistance:

  1. Setting Clear Expectations Early. We explain upfront what documents are needed, what deadlines must be met, and what consequences may follow if those terms are ignored.
  2.  Communicating Transparently With Legal Teams We keep attorneys informed of progress and notify them immediately if one party misses a deadline, fails to provide records, or attempts to delay the process. 
  3.  Requesting Court Intervention When Necessary. When cooperation breaks down completely, we notify the court and provide formal documentation to support motions to compel compliance or reallocate costs.
  4.  Suspending Work if Payment is Withheld. Per Evidence Code 730, we have the right to halt evaluations and withhold reports until court-ordered compensation is paid. This prevents one party from stalling the case through financial obstruction.

Why Attorneys Trust The Mowery Group

  • Court-Recognized Neutrality: Our reports hold weight because we remain objective and thorough.
  • Real Estate & Legal Experience: With over 35 years in real estate, we understand the legal and financial nuances of divorce cases.
  • Proven Track Record: We have successfully resolved numerous cases where one party initially refused to cooperate.

Move Your Case Forward, Even When One Side Resists

If you’re handling a divorce case involving real estate and facing resistance from one party, appointing a trusted 730 expert can help you regain control of the timeline and ensure fair outcomes for your client.

Contact The Mowery Group today at 909-981-6677 to learn how we can assist your team in navigating non-cooperative situations with professionalism, neutrality, and results-driven precision.