Divorce is one of the most challenging legal processes a family can face. When divorce proceedings involve high asset divorces, complex financial matters, or suspicions of hidden assets, the assistance of a forensic accountant becomes invaluable. In Greenville, SC, divorce attorneys often rely on forensic accounting to ensure marital assets are accurately identified, valued, and divided fairly.
A forensic accountant provides financial expertise that goes far beyond reviewing tax returns. They analyze financial records, bank accounts, and business holdings to uncover hidden assets, identify unreported income, and give expert opinions on the true value of the marital estate. This work ensures transparency during the divorce process and helps spouses achieve equitable distribution of property.
Why Forensic Accountants Are Critical in High Asset Divorces
In high net worth divorce cases, one spouse may control most of the couple’s financial resources, business interests, or personal property. Without proper review, significant assets may be overlooked or concealed. Forensic accountants help divorce lawyers and their clients by:
- Analyzing bank and financial statements for hidden bank accounts or irregular spending patterns
- Conducting business valuation to determine the fair market value of business ownership, business records, and professional practices
- Reviewing financial disclosures, financial documents, and financial statements for accuracy and completeness
- Investigating business owned by one spouse to ensure it is properly accounted for within the marital estate
- Offering expert witness testimony and expert opinion in court when necessary
For couples with significant assets, including stock options, intellectual property, and business holdings, forensic accounting ensures transparency and protects each spouse’s financial future.
Identifying and Uncovering Hidden Assets
One of the most important roles of a forensic accountant is to uncover hidden assets. Spouses sometimes attempt to conceal money in hidden bank accounts, underreport income, or falsify financial disclosures during divorce proceedings. By reviewing financial records, spending patterns, and tax returns, forensic accountants can prove the existence of hidden assets and ensure they are included in property division.
This work benefits clients by ensuring that all marital property and marital assets are disclosed and divided fairly. Whether the case involves real estate, business assets, or personal property, forensic accountants bring clarity to a couple’s financial situation during an emotional time.
Property Division and Spousal Support
In South Carolina, equitable distribution requires that marital property be divided fairly, though not always equally. Forensic accounting plays a crucial role in determining which assets are marital property and which are separate property. This distinction often affects spousal support, child support, and the overall divorce settlement.
Forensic accountants can also assess the tax implications of different property division scenarios. Their expert opinion may be especially important in high asset divorce proceedings, where settlement negotiations involve large sums, complex assets, and financial disclosures that require scrutiny.
Forensic Accounting in Business Valuation
Business valuation is one of the most complex areas in divorce cases. A business owned by one spouse—or shared between spouses—may represent a large portion of the marital estate. Determining its fair market value requires financial expertise. Forensic accountants evaluate business records, financial documents, and business interests to ensure accurate valuations.
This process ensures that business assets, intellectual property, and professional practices are properly addressed in asset division. In many cases, forensic accountants act as expert witnesses to present evidence and provide clear explanations to the court.
Why You Need a Greenville Divorce Attorney with Forensic Accounting Experience
Not every divorce attorney has the financial expertise required for high net worth divorce cases. At Sarah Henry Law, our legal team collaborates with forensic accountants and other financial experts to protect clients during divorce proceedings.
We represent clients with complex financial situations, including cases involving hidden assets, significant assets, or complicated business ownership structures. By combining strong legal strategies with forensic accounting support, our attorneys ensure that the divorce settlement reflects the true value of the marital estate and protects each client’s financial future.
Whether your case involves reviewing prenuptial agreements, seeking spousal support, or navigating child support and alimony and child support obligations, working with a law firm that understands forensic accounting gives you full confidence that your interests will be protected.
Take the Next Step with Sarah Henry Law
Learn more about Greenville Forensic Accounting Divorce Lawyer. Call Sarah Henry Law at (864) 478-8324 to schedule your free, no-obligation initial consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward resolution and peace of mind.
Greenville Forensic Accounting Divorce FAQs
What does a forensic accountant do in divorce cases?
A forensic accountant reviews financial records, bank accounts, and business holdings to uncover hidden assets, verify financial disclosures, and provide expert witness testimony when necessary.
Why is forensic accounting important in high asset divorces?
High asset divorces often involve business ownership, significant assets, and complex property division. Forensic accounting ensures assets are valued correctly, disclosed properly, and divided fairly.
Can forensic accountants uncover hidden bank accounts?
Yes. By reviewing bank and financial statements, spending patterns, and tax returns, forensic accountants can uncover hidden bank accounts and prove unreported income.
How does forensic accounting help with business valuation?
Forensic accountants review business records and financial statements to determine the fair market value of business interests, ensuring they are properly included in the marital estate.
Do I need a forensic accountant for my divorce?
If your divorce involves high net worth, business interests, or suspicions of hidden assets, a forensic accountant can provide financial expertise that ensures transparency and protects your financial future.
