People typically need professional assistance from an attorney during divorce. In some cases, they may require the support of secondary professionals who help them navigate the process more successfully. These professionals bring unique skills to the divorce team and can help ensure that spouses secure a fair outcome.
Forensic accountants are among the various specialists that people sometimes hire as they prepare for divorce proceedings. These financial professionals specialize in analyzing financial records. Why do people preparing for divorce sometimes require the support of forensic accountants?
There are issues with the marital estate
Typically, a request for the services of a forensic accountant is an indicator of possible issues with the marital finances. Maybe one spouse suspects that the other has hidden assets throughout the marriage or immediately before divorce. A forensic accountant can engage in asset tracing to track down income not previously accounted for and help validate concerns about hidden assets.
Forensic accountants can also help in cases where spouses suspect dissipation. They can affirm how much one spouse may have spent on an extramarital affair or on a hidden gambling habit. Quantifying the amount of marital income diverted or the value of marital assets squandered by one spouse is necessary if people hope to obtain fair property division outcomes. Forensic accountants can help people gather the financial proof they need of misconduct.
Having appropriate support makes it easier for those preparing for complex divorce proceedings to pursue justice. People trying to prove that financial misconduct occurred need evidence to hold their spouses accountable. Those anticipating complex property division proceedings may need more support as they prepare for court, and that’s okay.