PER CURIAM.
Michael Andrew Stegall (husband) appeals the trial court's valuation of a family business in an equitable distribution hearing. Husband argues that the trial court "erred in its valuation of Stegall, Inc., by accepting Harry Schwarz's arbitrary valuation of fully-appreciated fixed assets of the company." Upon reviewing the record and briefs of the parties, we conclude that this appeal is without merit. Accordingly, we summarily affirm the decision of the trial court.
"When reviewing a trial court's decision on appeal, we view the evidence in the light most favorable to the prevailing party, granting it the benefit of any reasonable inferences."
Husband and Rhonda Gay Wheeler Stegall (wife) married on July 1, 2000 and separated on May 9, 2009. Throughout the marriage, husband worked at the family business, Stegall, Inc., d/b/a Blue Ridge Tire Center. In 2004, husband acquired the business from his father and stepmother. He is the sole owner of the business.
An equitable distribution hearing was held on May 6, 2013.
The trial court found Schwarz's appraisal to be "better reasoned and more persuasive" and valued Stegall, Inc. at $551,000. The final decree of divorce was entered on June 10, 2013. This appeal followed.
Husband argues that the trial court erred in accepting Schwarz's valuation because Schwarz "arbitrarily" estimated the value of the fully depreciated assets at 20% of their original cost.
On appeal, "decisions concerning equitable distribution rest within the sound discretion of the trial court and will not be reversed on appeal unless plainly wrong or unsupported by the evidence."
"It is well established that the trier of fact ascertains a witness' credibility, determines the weight to be given to their testimony, and has the discretion to accept or reject any of the witness' testimony."
The trial court had the opportunity to see and hear the witnesses, and it found Schwarz's valuation to be "better reasoned and more persuasive." Schwarz testified that he had requested information from husband and the business, but did not receive all of the requested information. Schwarz stated that he had to make an adjustment for the fully depreciated machinery and equipment, which had not been formally appraised. Husband argues that Schwarz used an "arbitrary" figure by choosing 20% for the adjustment of the fully depreciated assets. However, when asked how he determined to use 20% for the adjustment, Schwarz explained, "If the assets are still utilized there is some utility and we are saying that there is utility there." In addition, there was evidence that Heinberg relied on the Commissioner of Revenue's figures, but they were also arbitrary according to Schwarz. Schwarz noted that the Commissioner does not have the assets appraised before determining their value. The trial court found that Schwarz sufficiently explained his reasoning for his valuation.
The trial court did not err in accepting Schwarz's valuation of Stegall, Inc.
Wife asks this Court to award her attorney's fees incurred on appeal.
For the foregoing reasons, the trial court's ruling is summarily affirmed. Rule 5A:27.