A forensic accountant is generally an accountant with expertise in detecting financial fraud or manipulation in personal and business tax returns, bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, broker accounts, offshore accounts, cash, cryptocurrency, jewels, art, cars, yachts, airplanes, real estate, life insurance policies, and related financial documents. This financial investigation work is often referred to as tracing, financial tracing, asset tracing, or forensic accounting, and generally involves “following the money” by tracing a piece of financial information or data back to its source.

In divorce litigation—and especially in high-asset or high-net-worth divorces in which there is significant marital or community property—any financial manipulation or fraud of personal or business finances may have a significant effect on the marital or community property that is available for division, and on spousal support and child support payment amounts. One or both spouses in a divorce may hire a forensic accountant to discover any hidden assets or manipulated financial documents that may prevent the court from having an accurate accounting of the marital or community property assets and the spouses’ incomes.

In Montana, forensic accounting is a specialized field where accountants use their expertise to uncover financial fraud and manipulation, particularly in the context of divorce litigation. Montana law, similar to other states, requires an equitable division of marital property in a divorce. When significant assets are involved, it's not uncommon for one or both parties to hire a forensic accountant to ensure a fair and accurate assessment of the marital estate. These professionals trace and analyze financial data to locate hidden assets or uncover any discrepancies in financial statements that could affect the division of property, as well as spousal and child support determinations. The findings of a forensic accountant can be critical in court proceedings, as they help to present a clear financial picture and can influence the court's decisions regarding asset division and support obligations. While Montana statutes do not specifically regulate the practice of forensic accounting, the work performed by these professionals must comply with applicable federal and state laws, including those related to privacy and the handling of financial information.