An accurate assessment and concise presentation of the financial positions of parties to the dispute is an integral element of any family law property settlement or estate litigation matter.

The family law and estate litigation group at Vincents is able to provide solicitors and barristers with additional expertise and experience through:

• the location of supporting evidence in tracing and quantifying the assets and liabilities of the parties to a dispute
• investigations to determine the true ownership of the assets (e.g. owned by a trust or other entity)
• the analysis of complex transactions to clarify the financial history of the dispute
• applying valuation methodologies, where applicable, that have evolved in the Family Court, including the concept of "value to owner"
• "user - friendly" presentation of expert financial evidence in conferences or at trial, plus provision of expert accounting reports
• advising on tax implications of proposed property settlements or estate distributions

Our forensic accountants can act as either a single or joint expert witness across a range of matters, including:

family law

• investigation of business structures to determine ownership and interest of the parties
• valuation of a business or entity in which one of the parties has an interest
• valuation of superannuation interests
• valuation of prospective inheritances
• quantification of income to assist in child support and/or spousal maintenance applications
• critique and analysis of other valuation reports

estate litigation

• assisting practitioners with techniques for identifying the financial assets and liabilities of the parties
• determining the ownership and value of estate assets and liabilities held through business entities (which can sometimes involve quite complex structures and transactions)
• reviewing the financial position of applicants in family provision applications