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 Georgia, forensic accountants play a crucial role in divorce litigation, particularly in cases involving high-net-worth individuals or substantial marital assets. These specialized accountants are skilled in uncovering financial fraud and tracing assets that may be concealed or manipulated. Georgia law requires an equitable division of marital property in divorce proceedings, which means that all assets and incomes must be disclosed fully and accurately. A forensic accountant can investigate personal and business tax returns, bank and investment accounts, and other financial holdings to ensure a fair assessment of marital property. Their expertise helps to reveal any hidden assets or financial discrepancies that could impact the division of property, as well as spousal and child support determinations. The findings of a forensic accountant can be presented in court to assist in achieving an equitable settlement or court decision. It's important to note that while forensic accountants provide valuable financial insights, the ultimate decisions regarding asset division and support obligations rest with the court.