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 Tennessee, forensic accountants play a crucial role in divorce litigation, particularly in cases involving high-net-worth individuals or substantial marital assets. These professionals are skilled in uncovering financial fraud and manipulation across a wide range of assets and financial documents. Their expertise in financial tracing allows them to follow the money trail and identify hidden assets or discrepancies in reported finances. The findings of a forensic accountant can significantly impact the division of marital property, as well as the determination of spousal and child support payments. Tennessee law requires an equitable division of marital property in divorce proceedings, and accurate financial information is essential for ensuring fairness in this process. The use of forensic accounting services helps to ensure that all assets are properly disclosed and that the division of property and support obligations are based on complete and accurate financial information. Both parties in a divorce have the right to hire a forensic accountant to investigate the financial aspects of their case, which can be pivotal in protecting their financial interests and rights under Tennessee's divorce statutes.