Is it permissible to use instructions from an attorney as a basis for a jurisdictional exception?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if the attorney is personally involved in the assignment
• D. Only with client consent

Answer: (B)

A jurisdictional exception is allowed only when a law or regulation in the jurisdiction requires deviation from USPAP. Instructions from an attorney do not by themselves create a legal basis for an exception; they’re guidance, not a binding legal requirement. The appraiser must identify and document the actual statutory or regulatory basis that necessitates the deviation and ensure the rest of the assignment remains compliant with USPAP as far as possible. Client consent does not authorize overriding USPAP, and whether the attorney is involved in the assignment is irrelevant to establishing a legitimate jurisdictional exception.