Emotions can run high for all parties within marriage dissolution engagements. While the requirement of each party to completely and accurately disclose his or her assets and earnings is straight forward, often allegations of inaccuracy or non-disclosure are raised. Further allegations are raised if a business is involved, creating the need to support or refute any of the raised allegations.
Forensic accountants can add value to these matters by providing unbiased objectivity with regard to both party’s financial disclosures. The goal of these engagements is to ensure as complete and accurate financial disclosure as possible by both parties.
Our experience working with attorneys specializing in family law includes reconstructing bank and investment accounts to identify non-disclosed, diverted or otherwise squandered amounts and balances; reviewing business records for non-business related expenses (personal use of business funds); reviewing financial records to identify non-disclosed sources of income; identifying undisclosed real or personal property; and reviewing filed tax returns.
Forensic investigations are often needed to determine other financial issues when a couple divorces. These commonly include:
- Determining income available for spousal maintenance and child support
- Lifestyle analysis
- Valuation of business interests
- Asset tracing