When Can a Forensic Accountant Help Me in My Divorce in Texas?

 Posted on September 02, 2025 in Complex Divorce

Dividing property in a Texas divorce can become complicated. For example, high-asset cases can involve businesses, investments, or hidden income. In these cases, a forensic accountant can play a critical role in ensuring fairness and accuracy. If you are facing a complex divorce, working with a Travis County, TX divorce attorney and a forensic accounting professional can help protect your rights and secure a fair settlement.

What Does a Forensic Accountant Do for the Divorce Process?

A forensic accountant digs deep into financial records to uncover the true value of assets, income, and debts. Their work goes beyond routine bookkeeping. Instead, they focus on things like identifying hidden money or misreported income that could affect the division of property.

Under Texas Family Code § 7.001, marital property must be divided in a "just and right" manner. A forensic accountant helps ensure all assets are disclosed so the outcome is fair.

When Is a Forensic Accountant Needed in a Texas Divorce?

Because Texas follows community property rules, a complete financial picture is critical for ensuring that the division of assets is carried out properly. Not every divorce requires a forensic accountant, but their expertise is often vital in high-asset or contested cases. Common situations where their involvement can make a difference include:

• Business ownership or professional practices: A forensic accountant can determine the fair market value of a company or a professional practice.

• Hidden or undisclosed assets: They may uncover offshore accounts, shell corporations, or funds transferred under another person’s name.

• Irregular or cash-based income: When one spouse is self-employed or works heavily in cash, a forensic accountant helps establish accurate income estimates.

• Stock options, bonuses, and investments: Stock options, bonuses, retirement accounts, and other investment vehicles often require careful analysis to calculate their true worth.

• Debt analysis: Large purchases, sudden transfers, or unexplained debts can be traced to ensure they are properly accounted for in the division of property.

• Valuation of unique assets: Items like ranches, oil and gas interests, or high-value collections such as artwork or jewelry often require expert appraisal to determine their true worth.

How Can a Forensic Accountant’s Findings Impact Your Divorce Outcome?

The evidence provided by a forensic accountant can shape the court’s final orders on property division, child support, and spousal maintenance. Their reports often serve as expert testimony, and a judge can use that report for a clearer picture of your finances. For example, if the accountant finds any hidden assets, the judge may add them back into the marital estate and divide them accordingly.

When a forensic accountant documents your income, support orders, like child support and alimony, are more likely to reflect the true financial capacity. Ultimately, your chances of a fair outcome are much higher with the help of a forensic accountant.

Contact an Austin, TX Divorce Attorney for Complex Property Division

An experienced attorney can work with financial experts to give you a clear picture of your marital estate and protect your interests every step of the way. At Powers Kerr & Rashidi, PLLC, our clients praise us for professionalism, responsiveness, and strong advocacy. We are known for handling sensitive family matters and complex divorces with compassion. As Board Certified Family Law attorneys, the team brings recognized expertise to every case.

We understand the unique challenges of high-asset divorce and provide strategic representation. To discuss your situation and explore your legal options, call 512-610-6199 to speak with our experienced Travis County, TX complex divorce lawyers today.