Here is what my attorney did 24 years ago in my situation.
My lovely ex knew I wanted to keep my 44' DeFever trawler, and SHE had it appraised (If your sweetheart has not already done so, you should first suggest that SHE have the tractor appraised)
My attorney said we need to get a very low appraisal,..... and I found a sleeze bag appraiser,..... who gave a very low $145,000 value.
In attorney to attorney negotiations, my attorney said, it seems that we cannot agree on the boat value. My client does not want it at your value, so we will put your $265,000 appraised value on your side of the ledger, and you can sell it for the cash.
All of a sudden the ex was no longer interested in the boat,...... and agreed that I could keep it for MY appraised value.
Worked out great!
Her appraisal value was $265,000, mine was $145,000.
It went to my side of the ledger valued at $145,000.
Ten years later, I sold the boat for exactly $300K.
I had a brilliant Boston attorney, (attwoodcherney.com) and she had a nasty angry attorney *****.
Jacob Atwood is now deceased, but his highly respected Boston law firm lives on.
Way back in 1996, mine was a HUGE attorney bill,..... but worth every penny!
My attorney and I got along fabulously, and he actually offered to hire me, if I would go to law school.
I was 56 years old, and appreciated the compliment, but I was then only 4 years from an age 60 mandatory retirement.
I'll be 80 later this year.
Never been happier (have a very sweet - for 20 years - live in partner)
The infamous question/answer....
"Why are divorces so expensive?"
"Because they are worth it!"