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, or asset tracing, 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 Florida, forensic accountants play a crucial role in divorce litigation, particularly in cases involving high-net-worth individuals or complex asset structures. Florida law requires an equitable distribution of marital assets during a divorce, which necessitates an accurate assessment of the couple's finances. Forensic accountants are hired to conduct financial investigations, often referred to as financial tracing or asset tracing, to uncover any hidden assets, financial fraud, or manipulation of personal and business financial documents. Their expertise helps ensure that all marital property is properly accounted for, which is essential for determining the division of assets as well as calculating spousal and child support obligations. The findings of a forensic accountant can significantly influence the financial outcomes of a divorce settlement. It's important to note that while forensic accountants provide valuable financial analysis, their involvement does not replace the need for legal advice from an attorney who can navigate the legal aspects of divorce proceedings.