An Accountancy Corporation
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…
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…
By Ron J. Anfuso, CPA, ABV, CFF, CDFA, FABFA Industry-Specific Databases The specific databases I have subscribed to for several years are surveys of attorneys, physicians, and accountants. Although some accountants may not obtain these surveys due to their cost, I subscribe because each provides a wealth of information that enables me to more accurately…
By Ron J. Anfuso, CPA, ABV, CFF, CDFA, FABFA I always inform judges, attorneys and clients that business valuation is not an exact science. Two of those areas that require some subjectivity when valuing a business are the determination of reason- able compensation and the risk associated with the business. The means by which to…
Approximately three years after their marriage, Dawnel and Frank Bonvino purchased a family home in Westlake Village with a down payment from husband’s resources and the proceeds from a loan in his name. The property was purchased in 1996. Title to the home was taken in Frank’s name as sole and separate property. Approximately 15…
Documents Needed for Incorporated Businesses There are specific documents concerning corporations that Forensic Accountants frequently request to review in a dissolution matter. Typical ones include articles of incorporation, by-laws, corporate minutes, stock certificate books, stock ownership lists, organograms and job descriptions of key officers. Articles of incorporation: Forensic Accountants want to know when the company…
In the previous issue of Forensic Accounting Today, I consisely clarified the key reasons why Forensic Accountants request certain documents for business valuations. These included financial statements, tax returns, general ledgers and journals, paid bills, bank statements, canceled checks and brokerage statements, income tax audits, and stockholder and director minutes. (If you do not have…
The valuation and distribution of marital property is typically one of the most difficult and arguable issues to be dealt with in a divorce proceeding. The process can become considerably more complicated and expensive when the marital community owns an interest in a business. In such cases, a Forensic Accountant is often hired by the…
Frank Bonvino’s Appeal Frank Bonvino based his appeal of the trial court’s decision on the contention that there was no evidence he transmuted his separate property to community property. By plain language of this statute, Family Code §2640 applies to separate property contributions that are traceable from a community property asset at dissolution. Section 2640…
The standard used by the courts in California to determine spousal support payment amounts is designated by the California Family Law Code as Marital Standard of Living (MSOL). Marital Standard of Living is considered by the courts to be a general description of the financial place in life the parties achieved as of their date…