What is a forensic accountant, and why should you work with one?

On Behalf of | Nov 30, 2020 | Divorce |

A forensic accountant is an important professional who can track where money has been transferred or moved into or out of accounts. Forensic accountants have skills that allow them to track assets that are missing during a divorce or that either party may not know about.

Forensic accountants look beyond the numbers on bank statements or other paperwork. They’re trained to look between the lines and to find signs of fraud or hidden assets. The goal of any forensic accountant is to look beyond the financial information that is in front of them and to reveal the true financial standing of either spouse involved in the divorce.

Why would you want to work with a forensic accountant during your divorce?

Like your attorney, a forensic accountant is a highly trained professional who is able to give you a true statement of your financial holdings. This is helpful if you believe that your spouse is hiding assets or if you want to make sure that you know about all of the assets that your spouse holds. Your forensic accountant can look for bank accounts you may not know about as well as other financial holdings, like stocks or bonds, which could influence your divorce settlement.

If you are worried that your spouse is hiding money, has taken assets that are now missing or has been funneling your marital assets to other accounts, then working with a forensic accountant is a good idea. Your attorney may be able to help you get in touch with one that they’re familiar with, so you can get a better idea of where you stand financially during your divorce.