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 Wyoming, as in other states, 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 tracing assets to ensure a fair and accurate assessment of marital property and income. This is essential for the equitable division of assets and the determination of spousal and child support obligations. Wyoming follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning that marital property is divided in a manner that is fair but not necessarily equal. The expertise of a forensic accountant can be pivotal in identifying hidden assets or financial manipulation, which can significantly impact the division of property and support calculations. The findings of a forensic accountant can be presented as evidence in court to assist in resolving disputes over finances in divorce proceedings. It is important to note that while forensic accountants provide valuable financial analysis, the ultimate decisions regarding asset division and support are made by the court.