Forensic accounting is the practice of binding together accounting and auditing with investigative skills to assist in legal matters.
Through our forensic accounting, litigation support and expert witness services we have assisted both claimants and defendants in the litigation process in a wide range of areas.
- Asset Tracing & Recovery
- Matrimonial Disputes
- Fraud
- Commercial disputes
- Personal Injuries & Loss of Earning
ASSET TRACING & RECOVERY
Asset tracing involves a mix of investigative and legal skills, usually applied with precision and speed before assets can be disposed of. Through our work in corporate recovery and criminal cases, we have built up an extensive body of experience assisting legal teams in the tracing of cash and assets, often across international boundaries. We can also project lead significant debt recovery assignments which can benefit from our investigative skills. Through our associates we have a strong global network of forensic accounting specialists who can assist on international assignments.
MATRIMONIAL DISPUTES
Divorce settlements require the fair division of income and assets. Full disclosure of financial affairs must be made. Hand-in-hand with this goes an increasing necessity to value interests such as shareholdings or partnerships in family businesses. Areas where our input may be needed include:
- Business Valuation
- Taxation & Liquidity issues
- Assistance on Discovery
- Appropriateness of maintenance provisions
Settling financial affairs need not always be difficult, particularly if the parties are able to agree approaches or issues. Business valuations can be one example of a benefit to both parties, where joint instructions can reduce the overall costs burden. In the absence of joint instructions, forensic accountants can reduce the ‘gap’ between the parties by agreeing the fair value of the assets, leaving the legal advisers to focus on a successful resolution for their client.
FRAUD
We have a proven history of success at uncovering and proving fraud. We have been involved in a number of successful reckless and fraudulent trading actions against company directors resulting in criminal prosecution, judgements and personal liability for the debts of the company. This is a unique area of forensic work, in that the outcome is not necessarily just financial. Reputation can be at stake, even for relatively small amounts.
COMMERCIAL DISPUTES
Commercial disputes are notable more than any other type of litigation in being driven by parties who themselves have a commercial outlook. As such, cost-benefit issues are a way of life and our input can be invaluable in helping to reach a negotiated settlement without having to go to court.
PERSONAL INJURIES & LOSS OF EARNINGS
Our input can be invaluable in Personal Injuries and Loss of Earnings cases where the injured party has unpredictable earnings, benefits or bonus packages such as self-employed profits rather than regular salary. Unpicking the financial aspects can be particularly important and complex, as can understanding the legal framework of how such calculations are formulated in any legal proceedings.