Forensic Accounting And Asset Tracing For Divorce
Complex finances can make divorce harder. Assets may change, move between accounts or become hard to find and value. You may need to determine what belongs to you, what belongs to your spouse and what you may need to divide. Without a clear financial picture, these questions can affect property division and support.
At Family Law Group, Inc., we take a supportive, straightforward approach while preparing each case for strong negotiation or litigation. Our forensic accounting attorney team helps clients in Los Angeles and the Bay Area address complex asset and income issues. When needed, we work with a family law forensic accountant and other financial professionals to uncover, trace and value assets.
Asset Tracing And Business Valuation In Divorce
When money or property moves between accounts during your marriage, tracing its source can be hard. We may review records to trace premarital funds, inheritances and gifts. We can also review whether separate funds used to buy property may support a reimbursement claim under Family Code Section 2640.
A business can raise similar questions. If you or your spouse owned a business before the marriage, California courts may use approaches such as Pereira and Van Camp to examine its growth. In some cases, real estate may also require a Moore/Marsden analysis.
Uncovering Hidden Assets And Offshore Accounts
If your financial records do not tell the whole story, we can take a closer look. Depending on your case, we may review bank and brokerage records, business documents, tax returns, K-1s, ledgers and cryptocurrency activity.
Forensic accountants in divorce can help trace financial activity and identify transfers that need more review. This may include activity involving accounts or assets in the United States or other countries.
Stock Options, RSUs And Other Executive Compensation
Your or your spouse’s pay may include more than a regular paycheck. We may examine:
- Restricted stock units (RSUs) and stock options
- Nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC)
- Bonuses, incentives and executive benefits
- When the compensation was granted, earned or vested
California courts may use the Hug and Nelson time rules to examine how certain stock-based pay relates to the marriage.
Lifestyle Analysis And Income Determination
Complex income can make it hard to see how much money is truly available. We may review financial records, household spending and the lifestyle you maintained during the marriage. This can help address questions about income, spousal support or child support.
The Forensic Accounting Process
When financial questions affect your divorce, we can take a clear, step-by-step approach:
- Financial audit and document subpoenas: Securing complete financial visibility. Our legal team subpoenas bank records, corporate tax returns (1120/1065), K-1s, general ledgers, and brokerage accounts across all domestic and international entities.
- Tracing and valuation analysis: Reconstructing financial flows and separate property claims. Forensic CPAs apply California legal frameworks (Moore/Marsden for real estate, Pereira/Van Camp for businesses, Hug/Nelson for equity) to separate community assets from separate property.
- Expert testimony and settlement negotiation: Utilizing expert findings in mediation or trial. The forensic expert issues a formal audit report.
We leverage these findings during private mediation sessions or present expert witness testimony at trial to secure your financial position.
This process can give you a clearer view of the financial issues that may shape your divorce.
Get Clear Answers About Your Financial Situation
You do not have to sort through complex financial records alone. Family Law Group, Inc., can help you identify the issues that matter, work with the right professionals and build a strategy for negotiation or litigation.
Speak with an experienced attorney and divorce lawyer by calling 925-344-3524 or reaching out online for a private, confidential consultation.