Forensic, according to the Webster’s Dictionary, means

  • “belonging to, used in or suitable to courts of judicature or to public discussion and debate”
  • “pertaining to or employed in legal proceedings or argumentation.”

Accounting, as defined by The Random House Dictionary, is “the system of organizing, maintaining … the financial records of a company or an individual.”

Forensic Accounting, then, is the practice of accounting in support of litigation. A Forensic Accountant provides an accounting analysis suitable to the court that will form the basis for discussion, debate and ultimately judicial decision. A Forensic Accountant utilizes specialized accounting skills to conduct an investigation into the actual earnings and income stream of individuals and businesses. A benefit of employing a Forensic Accountant is for his or her ability to communicate financial information clearly and concisely in a courtroom setting. Forensic Accounting is used in many areas of law, including divorce disputes and civil litigation.

After a Forensic Accountant is retained in a divorce matter, he or she typically would:
  • Assist the attorney in defining the accounting matters
  • Assist the attorney with discovery requests
  • Summarize and analyze financial data and transactions
  • Prepare reports and declarations
  • Perform complex business valuations under family law rules
  • Attend depositions to support opposing witness examination
  • Assist in settlement negotiations
  • Assess tax aspects of proposed settlements
  • Assess issues for trial
  • Prepare court exhibits for trial
  • Testify as an expert witness in trial, if necessary
  • Support attorney in witness cross examination at trial
  • Review judgment for accuracy of findings