Going Through Divorce? How a Family Court Accountant Can Help You

You Don't Have to Take Your Spouse's Word for It

Divorce is stressful enough without wondering whether the financial figures you have been given are accurate. In financial remedy proceedings, both parties must complete a Form E, a detailed financial statement disclosing all assets, income, liabilities, and outgoings.

The problem is that a spouse who controls a business or manages the family finances has significant opportunity to understate what they have. Many do. A family court accountant looks behind the figures to find the real financial picture, so you and your solicitor can challenge incomplete or misleading disclosure with evidence.

Signs You May Need a Family Court Accountant

• Your spouse owns a business and you don't trust the valuation they have put on it
• Their declared salary or drawings seem much lower than your actual lifestyle during the marriage
• Significant assets seem to have disappeared or been transferred
• You know of bank accounts, investments, or property that haven't been declared
• The business accounts look very different from when you last saw them
• Your spouse has recently transferred property to relatives

What a Family Court Accountant Can Do For You

• Review your spouse's Form E and business accounts to identify inconsistencies and missing information
• Value the family business independently, not using your spouse's accountant's figures
• Investigate lifestyle versus declared income, quantifying the true standard of living during the marriage
• Trace assets that may have been hidden or transferred
• Identify add-backs: expenditure that should be treated as available capital
• Prepare an expert report for your solicitor and the court

Do I Need a Solicitor First?

Yes. A family court accountant works alongside your family law solicitor. Your solicitor instructs the expert and manages the legal proceedings, including court applications for expert permission where needed. If you don't yet have a solicitor, we can help you understand what you need and guide you through the process. See how to instruct a family court accountant for the individual pathway.

How Much Will It Cost?

Costs depend on the complexity of your case and the work required. Business valuation reports typically range from £2,000 to £15,000 or more for complex cases. Hourly rates for forensic review work are commonly £150 to £500 per hour. In many cases, costs are shared between parties when the court directs a Single Joint Expert (SJE) appointment. Your solicitor can advise whether an SJE or party-appointed expert is appropriate in your case. Contact us to discuss your matter.