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 Ohio, forensic accountants play a crucial role in divorce litigation, particularly in cases involving high-net-worth individuals or complex asset structures. Ohio is an equitable distribution state, meaning that marital property is not necessarily divided equally but rather in a manner that is fair and equitable. A forensic accountant's expertise in tracing and identifying financial fraud or manipulation is instrumental in ensuring an accurate assessment of marital assets and liabilities. This financial investigation helps to uncover hidden assets, undisclosed income, or misrepresented financial information, which can significantly impact the division of property, as well as spousal and child support determinations. The findings of a forensic accountant can be presented as evidence in court to assist in reaching a fair settlement or judgment. It is important to note that while forensic accountants provide valuable financial analysis, the ultimate decisions regarding asset division and support obligations rest with the court.