Services » Forensic Accounting

Matrimonial/Ancillary relief proceedings

We are frequently instructed jointly and as shadow experts. Our involvement in matrimonial proceedings will typically include:

• Shareholding/business valuations
• Liquidity and raising finance – both in relation to individuals and businesses/companies
• Tax implications and restructuring
• Asset tracing
• Acting in collaborative proceedings
• Assessment of needs

Shareholding/business valuations

We have many years’ experience in valuing businesses and shares in private companies. There are various bases and methods to consider, and these only tend to become apparent once detailed information is received. We consider all valuation bases, rather than just the open market, as the appropriate basis is ultimately for the court to decide. We can also carry out ‘desktop’ valuations where required. Please click here to download our valuation checklist which sets out various background to valuations and, where possible, also aims to give you an idea of the likely costs associated with the preparation of a report for the court.

Liquidity and raising finance

It is often the case that there are insufficient funds in a company for one of the parties to raise a lump sum to meet the needs of the other. We can advise on the liquidity, including the options available to raise finance and the viability of an own-share buyback

Tax implications and restructuring

We have considerable experience of addressing many issues regarding taxation including inheritance tax, capital gains tax and income tax.  We have also advised on the tax implications of business restructurings in connection with Ancillary Relief proceedings.  Please click here to download our capital gains tax checklist which should assist you in determining whether you need to seek professional advice. 

Asset tracing

On a number of assignments we have been instructed to investigate whether former spouses had disclosed all assets in their financial statement, or in certain circumstances, laundered money or hidden income. It is also common for the real ownership of assets to be disguised, for example in the form of trusts or shares in companies overseas.

Collaborative law

Anne-Marie Naylor, head of forensic accounting at Harts, is one of the first accountants to be trained by Resolution in the collaborative process. She is a member of the Manchester and Chester Resolution PODs. Anne-Marie’s approach is to help clients to understand their financial situation in order to help them to reach a mutually fair settlement out of court.

Needs assessments

We may be instructed to prepare an assessment of the parties’ income and outgoings and, where appropriate, comment on whether the individual’s lifestyle is representative of their declared income.