The Forensic Accounting Deskbook A Practical Guide to Financial Investigation and Analysis for Family Lawyers

Forensic accounting can help family lawyers win case and help their clients keep money which might otherwise be taken from them by the difficult and confusing divorce process. To help you understand the practice of forensic accounting and business valuation and apply it to your family law cases, The Forensic Accounting Deskbook provides a basic introduction to the core financial concepts in divorce, such as asset identification, classification, and valuation, income determination, and expenses.

Writing in a clear, accessible style, author Miles Mason, both an attorney and CPA, gives step-by-step explanations of these "how to" mechanics and also explores higher-level strategic concerns appropriate for high-asset and high-conflict cases. He connects the dots and fills in the gaps among the interrelated topics involved in divorce, from methodology to testimony.

Written for both the seasoned and less experienced family law practitioner, topics covered include:

• What is forensic accounting, and why do you need it?
• Engaging a forensic accountant
• Basic accounting principles
• Reading a financial statement
• How to look for hidden assets
• Discovery, subpoenas, and depositions
• Asset identification and clarification
• Determining income and the importance of lifestyle analysis
• Reports and testimony
• Ethics, standards, and confidentiality

The book also includes useful appendices, also provided on CD-ROM, including a deposition question checklist, a sample agreement for expert consulting services, a sample company's financial statements, and a sample forensic accounting report.