AZE.US
Courts may take into account an increase in a property’s value caused by renovations completed during a marriage, provided the spending and timing of the work can be proven.
Money spent on renovating a home during a marriage may become an issue when spouses divide property following a divorce in Azerbaijan.
Lawyer Tural Hasanli told Demokrat.az that one of the main requirements is proving that the renovation was carried out while the couple was married and jointly managing the household.
When this is established, a court may consider the increase in the apartment’s value resulting from the renovation during the division of property.
According to Hasanli, parties may support their claims with written evidence, including:
- receipts for construction materials;
- contracts with contractors or repair workers;
- bank transfers and payment records;
- invoices and other documents confirming renovation expenses.
An expert valuation may also play an important role by determining whether the renovation increased the market value of the property and by how much.
Courts may consider witness testimony as well. Witnesses can provide information about when the work was carried out, who participated in it and how the expenses were financed.
Hasanli stressed that no single piece of evidence is assessed in isolation. The court reviews documents, expert findings and testimony together before reaching a decision.
This means that a spouse seeking compensation or a larger share of the property will generally need more than a verbal claim. The stronger the documentary evidence of the renovation and its impact on the home’s value, the more likely it is that the court will take those expenses into account.
AZE.US