II. Valuation

§2.01 Bifurcation

You may try certain issues separately before trial of other issues if resolution of the bifurcated issue is likely to simplify the other determination. Issues that may be appropriate to try separately in advance include [CRC 5.175(a), (c)]:

• The date to use for valuation,
• How to apportion the increase in value of a business, or
• The existence or value of a business or professional goodwill.

For example, you may bifurcate hotly disputed issues such as valuation of a family business. Resolution of that issue may facilitate the parties' agreement on the remaining issues. [Marriage of Wolfe (1985) 173 CA3d 889, 894.]