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Litigation Support
At Merit Valuations, we understand that financial matters in litigation can be complex. Crystal Hawryluk and Merit Valuations are dedicated to navigating these intricate financial challenges with a focus on providing conclusions that are both reasonable and firmly supported by sound methodology.
Litigation Support Experience
Crystal Hawryluk has been qualified as a financial expert in business valuation and quantification of business losses, testifying at the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta (now known as the Court of King's Bench of Alberta) and the Alberta Land Compensation Board (now known as the Alberta Land and Property Rights Tribunal). Her experience as a financial expert witness reflects her ability to provide the highest level of financial expertise in litigation support, contributing to just and informed conclusions in legal proceedings.
Reasons for Litigation Support
Navigating legal disputes involving complex financial matters can be challenging and overwhelming. In such cases, having a dedicated financial expert is essential. Our litigation support services at Merit Valuations provide invaluable assistance by offering expert insights, comprehensive financial analysis, and expert witness testimony. Here's why you may need financial expert services:
Complex Financial Matters: Legal disputes often involve complex financial components that require a deep understanding of financial intricacies. Our expertise in financial matters ensures that you receive comprehensive and accurate financial analysis.
Reasonable and Supportable Conclusions: Our focus is on providing conclusions that are not only reasonable, but also supported by sound methodology. This is crucial in ensuring that your side of the dispute is well-prepared and fortified with solid financial evidence.
Expert Witness Testimony: Crystal Hawryluk's experience as an expert witness at the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta and the Alberta Land Compensation Board adds a level of credibility to your case that can be invaluable in legal proceedings.
Fair Compensation: In cases of expropriation or disputes involving business valuations, having a financial expert can assist with receiving fair compensation for your business losses.
Alberta Land Compensation Board Decisions
Celtic Land Development Corp. and Celtic Homes Inc. v Edmonton (City), 2018 ABLCB 8
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Summary: Crystal Hawryluk acted as a financial expert for the Claimants (Celtic Land Development Corp. and Celtic Homes Inc.). The Claimants were seeking compensation arising from the expropriation of land and a hangar at the Edmonton City Centre Airport, from which the Claimants operated a business manufacturing modular homes. Compensation sought by the Claimants included the market value of the hangar lease, damages attributable to disturbance (including business losses, executive time and losses from certain equipment and material sales), as well as seeking determination from the Alberta Land Compensation Board as to whether the Claimants should be compensated for a new facility or the cost of capital to finance the facility. Crystal Hawryluk was qualified as an expert in business valuation and quantification of business losses. The Claimants were awarded compensation totalling approximately $6.2 million, of which approximately $1.66 million was for business losses.
E-Z Air Inc. and E-Z Air Helicopter Training Inc. v Edmonton (City), 2018 ABLCB 7
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Summary: Crystal Hawryluk acted as a financial expert for the Claimants (E-Z Air Inc. and E-Z Air Helicopter Training Inc.). The Claimants applied to the Alberta Land Compensation Board for a determination of compensation arising from the expropriation of lands located at the Edmonton City Centre Airport from which the Claimants operated a helicopter training school and provided helicopter charter and maintenance services. The Claimants were seeking compensation for the market value of a sublease and license, disturbance damages from the sale of a helicopter and helicopter equipment, the purchase of a helicopter simulator, executive time and business losses alleged to have been caused by the expropriation process and the actual expropriation. Crystal Hawryluk was qualified as an expert in business valuation and business losses. The Claimants were awarded disturbance damages totalling approximately $525,000 of which $345,000 was for business losses.
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Is my Information Kept Confidential During the Valuation Process?Yes, Merit Valuations maintains strict client confidentiality during the valuation process, ensuring that your information is secure.
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Does Merit Valuations provide real estate and equipment appraisals?No, Merit Valuations does not provide appraisals of real estate or equipment. However, we can provide contact information for trusted appraisal experts.
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What is the Process for Conducting a Business Valuation with Merit Valuations?The valuation process involves several steps, from initial consultation, preparation of fee quote, requesting of information, preparation of a draft report, meeting to review the draft, to completion of the final report.
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What Type of Information is Needed for a Business Valuation?A starting point for most valuations is to provide historical financial statements, tax records, and other relevant documents. Merit Valuations will guide you through the process and provide a tailored information request list specific to your business and the type of report being authored.
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How can a Business Valuation Benefit My Company?A business valuation can provide numerous advantages, including aiding in strategic decisions like purchasing a business, expanding, or selling a business.
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What is Bill C-208 and How Does it Impact Business Valuations?Bill C-208 is essential in the context of corporate tax planning, as it allows for a tax-efficient transfer of a family business when certain conditions are met. Merit Valuations will deliver an independent assessment of value as part of this process in consultation with your tax expert.
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What Are the Business Value Drivers Assessed by Merit Valuations?Merit Valuations assesses a range of value drivers, ensuring a thorough examination of your business's worth.
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Can Merit Valuations Assist with Valuation-Related Legal Matters?Yes, Merit Valuations offers expertise in preparing financial expert reports for litigation support, making it a valuable resource for resolving shareholder disputes.
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What is the Role of a Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) in a Business Valuation?A Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) plays a crucial role in conducting business valuations. Merit Valuations, with its CBV expertise, ensures the accuracy of valuations using sound valuation methodologies.
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How Long Does it Take to Receive the Final Valuation Report?The timeline for receiving your final valuation report varies based on factors like the purpose of the valuation and the type of report being authored. Merit Valuations will provide an estimated timeline with the fee quote and aims for transparency throughout the valuation process.
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How Frequently Should a Business Undergo a Valuation?Business valuations should be considered periodically, especially before significant events like selling a business or retirement of a shareholder.
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How Do I Choose the Right Level of Valuation Report?Choosing the appropriate level of valuation report is crucial, and Merit Valuations will assist you in determining the right level is selected based on your needs.
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What types of legal disputes can benefit from litigation support?Litigation support is valuable in a wide range of legal disputes, including shareholder disputes, partnership disputes, expropriation claims, and cases involving complex financial matters. It can provide expert insights and financial analysis to strengthen your position.
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Has Crystal Hawryluk been qualified as an expert witness?Yes, Crystal has been qualified as a financial expert witness in the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta (now the Court of King's Bench of Alberta) and the Alberta Land Compensation Board (now the Alberta Land and Property Rights Tribunal).
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How can I request litigation support services from Merit Valuations?To request litigation support services from Merit Valuations, you can contact us through our provided contact information or submit an inquiry through our website. We will assess your specific needs and tailor our services accordingly.
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How does Merit Valuations ensure reasonable and supportable conclusions in expert reports?We ensure reasonable and supportable conclusions through our in-depth financial analysis and the use of sound methodologies.
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Can litigation support help in reaching a settlement in legal disputes?Having a credible expert report can help facilitate negotiations, which may aid parties in reaching a settlement agreement, prior to the matter going to Court.
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Can Merit Valuations help with cases involving complex financial matters?Yes, Merit Valuations excels in handling legal disputes involving intricate financial components. Our expertise ensures that you receive comprehensive and accurate financial analysis in cases with complex financial matters.
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What role does expert witness testimony play in litigation support?Expert witness testimony plays a crucial role in litigation support by providing a credible expert report to assist the Court in reaching a decision for the parties involved. An expert report can assist by taking complex financial matters and presenting them in an easier to understand manner.
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What is the process for obtaining litigation support with you and/or your lawyer from Merit Valuations?The process typically involves an initial consultation to understand your specific legal dispute and financial independent requirements. We will then work to provide the necessary financial analysis and expert report as needed for your case.
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What is litigation support, and why is it important?Litigation support is a vital service that assists individuals and businesses in navigating complex financial matters within legal disputes. It provides expert insights, comprehensive financial analysis, and expert witness testimony to strengthen your legal case.
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Can Merit Valuations assist with expropriation claims?Yes, Merit Valuations provides financial expert reports for expropriation claims for purposes related to Section 53 (Business losses) and Section 54 (Compensation for goodwill) of the Expropriation Act for Alberta.