WHEN TO RETAIN THE SERVICES OF A FORENSIC ACCOUNTANT

By Ron J. Anfuso, CPA/ABV

Not all marital dissolution cases require the services of a Forensic Accountant. However, many of the more complicated cases in this ever complex and changing area of law do. Some of the reasons to retain a Forensic Accountant are as follows:

• When unreported or underreported income is an issue
• When one or both of the spouses is self-employed
• When one of the spouses has separate property claims
• When temporary and permanent spousal and child support are an issue
• When a determination of the marital lifestyle is required
• When accounting for reimbursements, tracing, allocation, apportionment and characterization of assets is needed
• When a valuation of a business interest is required
• When determination of business, executive, professional or celebrity goodwill is needed
• When there has been a commingling of funds (See v. See)
• When there are reimbursement claims for post-separation maintenance of community assets (Epstein)
• When the community has made payments on a separate property residence (Moore/Marsden)
• When an apportionment of community business is necessary (Pereira/Van Camp).

Why Choose Ron J. Anfuso, CPA/ABV

Not just any accountant is qualified to perform litigation support services. The accountant must have a detailed knowledge of the principles enunciated in this particular area of practice. For that reason, it is essential that you select an accountant who understands family law and the related financial issues.

A Forensic Accountant should have the following qualities:

• Competence in this specialty area
• Tenacity
• Confidentiality
• Professional attitude and appearance
• Good oral and written communication skills.

In addition, individuals who have achieved the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Accredited Business Valuation (ABV) designations have proven their expertise in not only accounting but also in the area of business valuation, a discipline utilized in many dissolution cases, making them a valuable asset on your team.

Ron J. Anfuso, CPA/ABV and his associates have handled a multitude of complex family law accounting assignments. As such, they are familiar with the broad scope of areas that relate to these assignments. They can deliver high quality service in a timely and professional manner. His team thrives under stressful and time-constricted circumstances.