In a divorce where significant financial assets are at stake and when emotions are running high, it can sometimes be difficult to gather all the facts about the financial circumstances of the family.

There have been a number of high profile divorce cases recently, where assets have allegedly been “hidden” or squandered. As happened in these cases, employing the services of a professional investigator is one way of finding information that your husband or wife may be trying to conceal.

The increasing use of social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter, has meant that people sometimes unwittingly disclose significant levels of private information about themselves and their lifestyle.

A forensic accountant can be appropriate where there are concerns that the true extents of one person’s assets are in some respect being sheltered or hidden and there are concerns that the disclosure for a financial settlement has been less than frank.

It might be the case that one person has been moving significant amounts of money around, and using private or offshore accounts. Alternatively, it may be that the valuation put on a business by a spouse is suspected to be drastically undervalued, or structured in such a way that there are concerns that the true worth has been disguised.

From locating people, serving court papers, finding proof of cohabitation with a new partner after separation to asset-tracing when there is a suspicion that money is being hidden, a professional investigator can be a time saving resource that can help you find the facts and secure a better financial settlement.

The cost of engaging such experts must be proportionate to the benefit. We work closely with a number of reputable professionals in this field who we can put you in touch with.

Ware & Kay’s Jonathan Leach has extensive experience in all aspects of relationship breakdown.

For advice or to make an appointment, please phone Jonathan on 01904 716 000.