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 West Virginia, forensic accounting plays a crucial role in divorce proceedings, particularly in cases involving high-net-worth individuals or substantial marital assets. State statutes and case law govern the division of marital property and the determination of spousal and child support. Forensic accountants are hired to uncover any hidden assets or financial fraud that could impact the equitable distribution of property and the calculation of support payments. Their expertise in tracing and analyzing financial transactions helps ensure that all assets are accounted for and valued correctly during the divorce process. The findings of a forensic accountant can be pivotal in court decisions regarding the division of assets and the setting of support amounts. It is important to note that the use of forensic accountants must comply with state laws and court procedures, and their findings are subject to scrutiny by the court and opposing parties.