When Do You Need a Forensic Accountant in a Divorce?

 Posted on July 30, 2026 in Property Division

Some divorces are harder to get through than others, particularly when the marital estate is large or complex. Sorting through all of your assets can take time, and fairly dividing them may require detailed negotiations. In a divorce, a forensic accountant can clear up financial questions and help you make informed decisions.

At Goostree Law Group, our Kendall County, IL divorce attorneys regularly work with forensic accountants during property division. We have years of experience handling complicated divorces, including high net worth cases, so we are more than equipped to address questions about forensic accounting.

Can a Forensic Accountant Trace Hidden Assets?

Divorce can bring out the worst in people, especially when money is involved. Some spouses try to hide assets before or during a divorce. A forensic accountant is trained to find these hidden assets.

A forensic accountant looks closely at bank records, tax returns, business filings, and other financial documents. They search for unusual transfers, missing income, or accounts that do not match a spouse's reported lifestyle. If someone spends far more than their reported income allows, that is often a sign that money is being hidden somewhere else.

Illinois law requires both spouses to disclose their full financial picture during a divorce. When one spouse refuses to be honest about their finances, a forensic accountant can help uncover the truth. This can lead to a fair division of property and a more accurate picture of what each spouse actually owns.

Hidden assets can take many forms. A spouse might overpay the Internal Revenue Service on purpose, expecting a refund after the divorce is final. A spouse might delay a bonus or commission at work until after the case closes. A forensic accountant knows where to look for these patterns and how to ask the right questions during discovery.

Do You Need a Forensic Accountant for Valuation in a Divorce?

Not every divorce needs a forensic accountant. But if you or your spouse own complex or high-value assets, a forensic accountant can help make sure everything is valued correctly. Without an accurate valuation, one spouse could walk away with far less than they deserve. A forensic accountant can help value assets such as:

• A family business or professional practice

• Retirement accounts and pensions

• Real estate holdings, including rental properties

• Stock options and investment portfolios

• Intellectual property, such as patents or royalties

• Personal property, such as art or collectibles

Valuing these assets is not always simple. A business might look profitable on paper but carry hidden debts. A pension might have rules about when and how it can be divided. A forensic accountant understands these details and can give the court an honest number to work with, rather than a guess.

An accurate valuation protects both spouses. It keeps one spouse from overpaying for property that is worth less than it seems. It also keeps the other spouse from being shortchanged on assets that are worth more than either side first realized. A fair number, backed by real analysis, gives both sides something solid to negotiate around.

Can You Bring a Forensic Accountant as an Expert Witness in a 2026 Divorce?

A forensic accountant can serve as an expert witness in an Illinois divorce case. Courts often rely on expert testimony when financial matters become too complicated for the average person to understand.

An expert witness can explain their findings to the judge in plain language. They might testify about how they traced hidden income, how they valued a business, or why they believe certain assets were undervalued. This testimony can carry real weight, especially when the other side disputes the numbers.

Judges tend to give more credibility to a well-supported expert opinion than to arguments made without evidence. If your case involves a dispute over money, hiring a forensic accountant as an expert witness can strengthen your position at trial.

Expert testimony also helps outside of trial. Many divorce cases settle before reaching a courtroom. Knowing that a forensic accountant is prepared to testify can push the other side toward a fair settlement.

How Can a Forensic Accountant Help With Debt Division in a Divorce?

Divorce is not only about dividing assets. Debts have to be divided too. Under Illinois law, marital debts are generally split between spouses, much like marital property (750 ILCS 5/503). A forensic accountant can help sort out which debts belong to the marriage and which belong to only one spouse.

Some spouses run up debt in secret, hoping the other spouse will be stuck paying half. A forensic accountant can trace credit card statements and loan documents to figure out when a debt was created and what it was used for. If a spouse ran up debt for personal reasons unrelated to the marriage, that debt could be treated as a separate responsibility.

A forensic accountant can also help identify debts that were hidden altogether. This is helpful because a spouse cannot fairly negotiate a settlement without knowing the full financial picture, debts included.

Who Pays for a Forensic Accountant in an Illinois Divorce?

The cost of a forensic accountant can vary depending on the complexity of the case. In many divorces, each spouse pays for their own expert. However, a court can order one spouse to pay for all or part of the cost, especially if that spouse has significantly more income or assets.

Some couples agree to split the cost of a single, neutral forensic accountant rather than hiring separate experts. This approach can save money and reduce conflict, though it only works well when both spouses trust the process. 

Contact a Yorkville, IL Divorce Attorney

If you suspect your spouse is hiding assets, or if your divorce involves a business, retirement accounts, or other complex property, a forensic accountant can help protect your interests. Our firm is here to guide you through the process, making effective use of expert witnesses in your divorce. Call 630-584-4800 or contact our Kendall County, IL property division lawyers to schedule a free consultation with Goostree Law Group today.