What Does a Forensic Accountant Do in a Divorce?

 Posted on August 27, 2025 in Divorce

Divorces involving complex finances can be highly contested and involve multiple appearances in court. One of the most difficult challenges in these cases is understanding what the marital estate is truly worth. Assets may include multiple properties, business interests, investment accounts, retirement plans, and sometimes hidden funds that one spouse would prefer to keep off the books. In these cases, our Wheaton divorce attorneys often recommend working with a forensic accountant.

A forensic accountant is a financial professional trained to investigate, analyze, and testify about complicated financial matters. In divorce, they play a critical role in uncovering hidden assets, valuing businesses, and ensuring that property is divided fairly under Illinois law. With decades of combined experience, our firm routinely works alongside forensic accountants and other experts to protect clients’ interests in high-stakes divorces.

As of August 2025, Illinois law continues to require an equitable (fair, but not necessarily equal) distribution of property under 750 ILCS 5/503. That principle means that accurate valuation is essential, and forensic accountants often provide the key evidence. Here, we provide a basic overview of what forensic accountants do in divorce; contact Goostree Law Group for information specific to your case. 

When Are Forensic Accountants Needed in Divorce?

Not every divorce requires a forensic accountant. They are usually brought in when financial issues are unusually complicated or when one spouse suspects dishonesty. Situations where a forensic accountant may be invaluable include:

Business Ownership

When one or both spouses own a business in DuPage County, determining its value can be complex. A forensic accountant can review records, compare industry data, and identify hidden income or inflated expenses.

Hidden Assets

If one spouse suspects the other is concealing bank accounts, cryptocurrency, or transferring assets to friends or relatives, a forensic accountant can trace transactions and uncover irregularities.

Complex Investments

Portfolios including stocks, options, or foreign assets often require expert review. They can change value quickly, making them difficult to divide. Furthermore, spouses who had a high career earnings before getting married may have investments where only part of the value is marital property. 

Disputes Over Lifestyle and Spending

In high net worth divorces, forensic accountants can conduct "lifestyle analyses" to show whether reported income matches the couple’s actual standard of living. For example, if a spouse reports modest income but regularly paid for international travel, luxury vehicles, and private school tuition, the case will require a closer look. A forensic accountant may discover, for example, that income from a family business is being underreported, which can dramatically change the division of property.

What Exactly Do Forensic Accountants Do?

Forensic accountants in divorce cases may perform a wide variety of tasks, including:

• Tracing income and expenses: Following the money to ensure all income streams are accounted for.

• Valuing businesses: Reviewing tax returns, profit and loss statements, and balance sheets to determine true business value.

• Identifying fraud or concealment: Looking for unreported income, duplicate books, or suspicious transfers.

• Reviewing tax consequences: Assessing how dividing certain assets will affect future tax liability.

• Providing expert testimony: Presenting findings in court and explaining complex financial matters to judges in a clear way.

Because Illinois divorce courts require full financial disclosure, the work of a forensic accountant ensures that both spouses deal with the same complete picture of the marital estate.

Can Each Spouse Hire Their Own Forensic Accountant?

In many contested divorces, each spouse will hire their own forensic accountant. It is not unusual for these experts to reach different conclusions, particularly when valuing a business. One accountant may calculate a business’s worth at $1 million, while another may argue it is worth closer to $600,000 depending on the method used.

In such cases, judges weigh the evidence, consider testimony from both experts, and may even appoint a neutral accountant to provide an independent evaluation. Attorneys play a vital role in cross-examining the opposing accountant and highlighting flaws in their methods.

This dynamic underscores why it is important to work with a law firm experienced in managing expert testimony. Presenting forensic accounting evidence persuasively can significantly affect the outcome of property division.

How Do Forensic Accountants Help With Alimony?

Forensic accountants do not just focus on assets. They also provide critical insight when calculating spousal maintenance (alimony). Under 750 ILCS 5/504, Illinois courts consider factors such as income, property, and earning capacity when deciding support.

If a spouse claims limited income but appears to live well beyond their reported means, a forensic accountant can uncover the discrepancy. Conversely, if a spouse is accused of having more resources than they actually do, an accountant can provide evidence to correct the record.

Why Forensic Accountants Are Crucial in High Net Worth Divorces

The higher the value of the marital estate, the more incentive one spouse may have to hide assets. High net worth divorces in Wheaton and surrounding communities often involve family-owned companies, professional practices, and offshore accounts. Forensic accountants provide the tools to navigate these challenges. Without their expertise, millions of dollars could be left undiscovered or misallocated.

Do Forensic Accountants Testify in Court?

Forensic accountants often serve as expert witnesses and their testimony can be pivotal in convincing a judge of a fair valuation. They not only provide numbers but also explain their reasoning in a way that non-specialists can understand.

Because credibility matters, experienced attorneys prepare forensic accountants for trial, ensuring they can withstand cross-examination. This collaboration strengthens the case and increases the likelihood of an equitable outcome.

The Cost of Hiring a Forensic Accountant

Forensic accountants are highly specialized and can be expensive. However, in divorces involving significant assets, the potential financial gain far outweighs the expense. Consider a case where a forensic accountant discovers hidden accounts worth $500,000. The benefit to the client vastly exceeds the cost of hiring the expert. Attorneys can also request that the court order the other spouse to share or cover the cost of the accountant if it is necessary to reach a fair outcome.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Complex Divorce Attorney

If you are facing a divorce involving complex finances, business ownership, or suspected hidden assets, a forensic accountant may be essential to protecting your rights. Contact a Wheaton, IL divorce lawyer at Goostree Law Group today by calling 630-584-4800. Our firm has decades of experience in high-stakes divorce, offers free consultations, and provides access to divorce coaching and trusted financial experts, including forensic accountants, to help you through every step of the process.