Does she have to testify?

[mandik]

My mother is a real estate appraiser and was subpoenaed into court for a divorce hearing because she did the appraisal. They said they will pay her 16.00 or something. Does she have to testify? Shouldn’t they be paying her to be an expert witness? I will post this in the real estate section also. Thanks.

 

[racer72]

Yes, she has to appear. If she doesn't, she will be found in contempt. This will result in a warrant for her arrest. If arrested, she could be held in jail till the trial resumes, and in some cases, this could take weeks. She is not being paid as an expert witness because that is not why she is being subpoena'd. She is wanted to answer questions about her one appraisal, not about the business of appraising real estate.