Uncover hidden assets - forensic accountants for divorce

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Various financial records and assets can be uncovered by our forensic accounting team. These might include family bank accounts, business interests, property, pensions and other assets, including cryptocurrencies. Forensic divorce accountants seek to uncover any discrepancies over financial assets and provide a clear picture of a family’s income and assets, to ensure a fair settlement.

Forensic accountants are often instructed in divorce proceedings where one party has more financial control than the other. For example, one spouse might have been in charge of the family’s finances, dealing with income, outgoings and all other financial assets. In cases like this, it’s important to gain transparency to be able to settle a divorce in the fairest possible way

A forensic divorce accountant uses skills such as auditing, investigating and financial management to provide a clear report of a family’s assets. This could involve analysing bank accounts, reports, transactions, spending habits, tax records and tracing any hidden assets. The financial investigation involved in such cases is thorough and often complex.

Due to the complexities of such investigations, it’s advisable to seek support as early as possible to ensure the best possible outcome from the divorce.

Cohabiting is becoming increasingly common, with the amount of cohabiting couples having risen significantly since 2011, especially across younger age groups. But cohabiting couples do not have the same legal rights as those who are married; for example, the right to inherit a partner’s assets, pension or property.

There is no law that provides guidance on financial matters should a couple in this situation separate, so forensic divorce accountants would not be called upon by a cohabiting partner.

If a marriage ends in hostile or disharmonious circumstances, then one spouse could try to prevent the other party from gaining access to certain assets. This can be the case especially in high-net-worth divorce situations. A spouse might try to sell off assets, hide particular finances or spend a large proportion of funds to reduce what their ex-partner might be entitled to.

In these situations, a forensic accountant can work to uncover any hidden assets or unusual expenditure. In some circumstances, a freezing order might be granted by the Court to protect any relevant assets and ensure that they can’t be sold or given away.

Because the investigative work carried out by our forensic divorce accounting team varies depending on each unique situation, there is no one set cost. Our forensic accountants will discuss your options and circumstances with you and provide an estimate of likely costs, depending on the work involved to ensure transparency.

What is a prenuptial agreement?	Also known as ‘prenups’, prenuptial agreements are written contracts that couples can enter before marriage or civil union. The prenup outlines ownership of money, assets, or property and what will happen to them in the case of divorce or dissolution.
How does spousal maintenance work?	Different to child maintenance, spousal maintenance is a payment from one former spouse to another after divorce. The amount can change at any time and should be decided based on financial needs and income. A divorce lawyer can help you come to an agreement on how much spousal maintenance should be paid out of court.
What is a freezing order?	Commonly used in divorce or dissolution cases, freezing orders prevent one spouse from disposing of assets until a case is resolved. This protects the other part from missing out on assets they may have matrimonial claim over.

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