Divorce can be a difficult process, especially when there are financial inequalities between the two spouses. In such cases, it is essential to ensure an open and honest exchange of information so that both parties have a clear understanding of the finances. In most families, one spouse may have more knowledge and skill regarding the…
John Lawler (Petitioner) Versus Carol Lawler (Respondent) Forensic Accountants’ Positions and Ruling by the Court Presented by Ron J. Anfuso, CPA, ABV, CFF, CDFA, FABFA In the previous newsletter, I discussed the stipulations agreed upon by the parties for this trial, as well as a brief mention of the positions the forensic accountants would need…
Even when couples know that divorce is inevitable, many are afraid to venture forward out of fear that they will not financially survive. Issues such as how to split the assets and divide the cash flow may be of concern, but with the help of neutral financial professionals, those fears can be dispelled, and one…
Ron’s Corner In issue 68 of Forensic Accounting Today, I briefly discussed a case involving reasonable compensation in which I prevailed. This was a complex case involving the purchase of several accounting practices by Petitioner both before and after the couple’s date of separation. I have decided to devote this and at least one following…
Some divorces have complex financial issues. In such cases, a forensic accountant can be called in to analyze financial documents to help divorcing couples in the collaborative process, or in court when litigation is involved, to determine the value of assets and how those assets should be divided. They also assist in decision-making on child and…
In re Marriage of Nakiya Ramsey and Steven Holmes Presented by Ron J. Anfuso, CPA, ABV, CFF, CDFA, FABFA Second Appellate District Background Nakiya Ramsey and Steven Holmes were married in October 2007 and separated in April of 2015. They had two children. The family lived in the home at issue from February 2005 until…
If you inherited property, money, stocks or other assets either before your marriage or during it, the inheritance, whether cash, real estate, family heirloom, or anything at all, is your separate property. If you kept the asset separate, for example, put the inherited money in a separate bank account belonging only to you, it remains your…
Not every couple needs a prenup or pre-marital agreement. For example, two people getting married out of college who have not accumulated any real assets and never been married before, do not need a prenuptial agreement. On the other hand, couples getting married for the second or third time and who have children from previous…
When divorcing couples are discussing spousal support in California, they need to be aware of the tax implications of their divorce. Federal laws enacted by congress and enforced by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are different than laws enforced by the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB). Spousal Support and Taxes IRS rules. Under federal law,…
When a divorcing couple owns a family business, it complicates the parties’ financial settlement. Generally, the business will be awarded to one of the spouses and how it is valued and divided depends on the type of business that is involved. When One Spouse is a Licensed Professional and Owner of the Business When one…