Forensic Investigation in Divorce: Uncovering the Truth Behind the Numbers
When money goes missing, the truth hides in the details.
Our client suspected that her spouse wasn’t being honest about their finances and she was right. After months of financial tracing, our forensic accountants uncovered $2.4 million in offshore assets hidden across multiple accounts. That discovery changed everything.
At Ziegler Law Group LLC, we specialize in divorces where the numbers don’t add up. Through advanced forensic accounting, financial discovery, and asset analysis, we bring hidden wealth to light ensuring fairness, transparency, and justice in every settlement.
Because the truth may be buried, but it’s never beyond reach.
Why Forensic Accounting Matters in Divorce
Financial dishonesty can turn a divorce into a minefield.
Without proper investigation, one spouse may walk away with more than their fair share, while the other loses what they rightfully earned.
Forensic accounting is the process of uncovering and analyzing financial data to detect:
- Hidden or transferred assets.
- Undisclosed income or offshore accounts.
- Business manipulation or undervaluation.
- Suspicious transactions before or during divorce.
In high-net-worth and business-owner divorces, these cases are common. Our forensic team partners with legal attorneys to ensure that every dollar is accounted for.
How Hidden Assets Are Concealed and How We Find Them
People hide assets in many ways, from simple tactics to complex financial webs. Common strategies include:
- Creating shell companies or fake loans.
- Delaying income or manipulating payroll.
- Transferring property titles to relatives or entities.
- Moving funds into offshore accounts or trusts.
- Investing in cryptocurrency or collectibles.
Our attorneys collaborate with forensic accountants, economists, and valuation experts to trace every transaction. We use subpoena power, digital forensics, and data analytics to reveal the full financial landscape.
In one case, our team traced wire transfers through four international institutions exposing $2.4 million that had been diverted over several years.
The result? A just and equitable division of assets for our client.
The Process of Financial Investigation in Divorce
A proper forensic investigation follows a structured approach:
- Data Collection – Reviewing tax returns, bank statements, and business records.
- Financial Mapping – Identifying patterns, inconsistencies, and transfers.
- Asset Tracing – Following funds through accounts, companies, and investments.
- Valuation Analysis – Determining the real worth of assets, including businesses and real estate.
- Reporting and Testimony – Presenting findings in a clear, court-admissible format.
Our forensic reports are often the turning point in negotiations transforming suspicion into proof and ensuring fairness in every financial outcome.
Equitable Distribution in New York & New Jersey
Both New York and New Jersey follow equitable distribution laws, meaning marital property must be divided fairly not necessarily equally.
Courts consider factors such as:
- Duration of the marriage.
- Income and earning capacity of both spouses.
- Contributions to marital property (financial and non-financial).
- Future financial needs.
- Child custody and caregiving roles.
But “fair” distribution is only possible when all assets are visible. That’s where forensic investigation makes the difference between justice and deception.
Business Ownership and Complex Assets
When one or both spouses own a business, divorce becomes even more complicated.
Business owners often attempt to:
- Undervalue their company.
- Hide profits or inflate expenses.
- Delay contracts or manipulate invoices.
Our forensic and valuation experts analyze:
- Balance sheets and income statements.
- Shareholder distributions and capital accounts.
- Depreciation, goodwill, and future earning projections.
We protect entrepreneurs and executives alike whether you’re defending your business or ensuring your spouse’s enterprise is valued fairly.
The Role of Forensic Accountants in Court
Forensic accountants are not just investigators they are expert witnesses who provide credible, evidence-based testimony in court.
They help:
- Explain complex financial data to judges.
- Quantify hidden assets or fraud.
- Authenticate financial records.
- Support or refute opposing financial claims.
At Ziegler Law Group, our forensic partners have decades of courtroom experience, ensuring that every figure stands up to legal scrutiny. When millions are at stake, facts must be unshakable.
When Offshore Accounts and International Assets Are Involved
Hidden wealth often crosses borders.
In such cases, our firm utilizes international discovery tools and global financial networks to trace:
- Offshore bank accounts.
- Foreign property ownership.
- Shell corporations and trusts.
- Cross-border transfers and tax havens.
We collaborate with international legal advisors and forensic investigators to recover assets worldwide, ensuring your divorce settlement reflects the full marital estate no matter where it’s hidden.
How Ziegler Law Group Protects Your Financial Future
Our process is built around one core mission: protecting your wealth with precision and integrity.
We provide:
- Forensic Investigation – uncovering hidden or misreported assets.
- Accurate Valuation – ensuring true market value of all holdings.
- Strategic Negotiation – using verified data to strengthen your position.
- Litigation Support – expert testimony and evidence presentation.
- Post-Divorce Monitoring – ensuring compliance with final financial orders.
With over 100 years of combined legal and forensic experience, our attorneys and specialists have helped clients across New York and New Jersey recover millions in undisclosed assets.
Because fairness isn’t given it’s proven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is forensic accounting in divorce?
It’s the process of investigating financial records to uncover hidden income, assets, or irregularities during a divorce.
When do I need a forensic accountant?
If you suspect your spouse is hiding money, owns a business, or manages complex investments, a forensic accountant can uncover the truth.
How do hidden assets affect divorce settlements?
Hidden assets distort the financial picture. Discovering them ensures a fair distribution and prevents one spouse from gaining an unfair advantage.
Can offshore or international assets be found?
Yes. Through subpoenas, financial tracing, and international cooperation, most offshore assets can be identified and valued.
How much does a forensic investigation cost?
It depends on the complexity of the case, but the cost is often small compared to the value of the assets it reveals and recovers.
When millions are hidden, silence isn’t safety it’s loss. Let our team trusted by judges, respected by peers, and chosen by professionals represent you.
Schedule a confidential consultation with a family law attorney in New Jersey or New York today.
Call us at: 973-533-1100 New Jersey Office: 651 W. Mt Pleasant Ave, Suite 150, Livingston, NJ 07039
New York Offices: 3 Columbus Circle, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019 | 107 North Main Street, New City, New York 10956
