In a straightforward divorce, the finances speak for themselves. But when there is a business, self-employment, significant assets, or a suspicion that a spouse is not being honest, the numbers need an expert. That expert is a forensic accountant for divorce — a forensic accountant divorce engagement, in plain terms — and in the right case, retaining one is the difference between a fair result and a costly one.
What a forensic accountant does in a divorce
A forensic accountant in divorce is a financial expert who analyzes the marital finances and translates them into evidence the court can use. Their common assignments include valuing a business or professional practice, determining a self-employed spouse’s true income available for support, tracing funds to prove what is separate versus community property, calculating reimbursement claims, and investigating whether a spouse is hiding or understating income and assets. They can serve as a neutral jointly-retained expert or as one party’s expert, and they often testify at trial.
When you need one
Not every divorce needs a forensic accountant, and they add cost, so the question is whether the stakes justify it. You likely need a forensic accountant for divorce if the marriage includes a closely-held business or professional practice, a spouse who is self-employed or paid largely in cash, complex or commingled assets, substantial retirement or investment accounts, or a real concern that a spouse is concealing money. In those situations the accountant’s work frequently pays for itself many times over in a more accurate division and support order.
Working with the right expert
The value of a forensic accountant depends on framing the assignment well and getting them the right records. Furubotten Law, APC works with experienced forensic accountants and knows how to scope the engagement, obtain the documents through discovery, and use the resulting analysis effectively — whether to build your case or to challenge the other side’s expert. In a high-asset or self-employed divorce, that combination of skilled counsel and the right financial expert is what protects your interests.
Talk to Furubotten Law
Every page on this site ends the same way it began: with a real lawyer. If you are navigating any of the issues discussed above, Denise Furubotten, Esq. brings 30 years of California family law experience to your matter. Call Furubotten Law, APC at (714) 795-3862 to schedule a confidential evaluation.