Financial settlements can be one of the most important parts of a divorce. Before any agreement can be reached, both parties need to understand the assets, income, liabilities and future financial needs involved.
Where finances are straightforward, this may be achieved through standard financial disclosure. However, where there are businesses, property portfolios, investments, pensions, trusts or concerns about transparency, specialist accountancy input can be helpful.
At Tyrer Roxburgh, we provide clear, practical advice to help clients understand their financial position and make informed decisions during divorce. Where accountancy evidence is needed, we can work alongside appropriate experts to ensure that the figures are properly understood and used effectively.
Understanding the Financial Picture
A divorce accountant’s role is not to make legal decisions, but to provide analysis that helps solicitors, clients and, where necessary, the court consider what will make a fair divorce financial split with greater confidence.
This can be useful where one spouse has had greater control over the family finances, owns a business, is self-employed, receives irregular income, or has created a web of complex financial structures.
In these circumstances, headline figures may not be easy to identify and may not show the full position. Our family law team can help identify when specialist divorce accountancy input may be needed and how that evidence should fit into the wider settlement strategy.
Reviewing Financial Disclosure
Financial disclosure is central to reaching a fair settlement. Each party is expected to provide a full and accurate account of their financial position, including income, property, savings, pensions, debts and business interests.
A divorce accountant can review the information provided and consider whether anything appears incomplete, inconsistent or unclear. This may involve looking at company accounts, tax returns, bank statements, investment records or income patterns.
In some instances, where there are potentially hidden assets or other financial deception the specific skills of a divorce forensic accountant may be required to trace and uncover assets during divorce proceedings.
At Tyrer Roxburgh, we can help clients understand what financial disclosure should include, where further information may be required, and how to respond if the figures do not appear to reflect the full position.
Valuing Businesses and Complex Assets
Business interests can be difficult to value during divorce, particularly where a company has assets, debts, retained profits, goodwill or future earning potential. A divorce accountant can help assess the value of the business and whether funds can realistically be extracted without affecting its operation.
Accountancy input may also assist where there are property portfolios, shareholdings, investment structures, overseas assets or trusts. We can work with suitable experts to ensure that complex assets are properly considered and that any proposed settlement is both fair and practical.
Considering Income and Future Needs
Financial settlements are not only about capital. Income can also be important, particularly where maintenance, mortgage capacity or future financial needs are in dispute.
A divorce accountant can help assess actual income, sustainable income and the difference between business profits and money available personally to an individual. This can be helpful where income fluctuates, depends on dividends, or is linked to business performance.
Clear financial evidence can support discussions about affordability. It may help determine whether maintenance is realistic, whether a lump sum can be paid, or whether a settlement needs to be structured over time. Our team can help use that evidence to support constructive negotiations and realistic settlement proposals.
Supporting Settlement Discussions
Good financial evidence can make settlement discussions more constructive. It can help both parties understand the financial position, compare different options and consider what is practical as well as fair.
A divorce accountant may work alongside solicitors, tax advisers, valuers and other experts. Their input can assist with decisions about retaining the family home, offsetting pensions, selling assets, or dealing with business interests.
In settlement discussions, accountancy evidence can help ensure that decisions are made with a proper understanding of the financial reality.
How We Can Help
Not every divorce requires a divorce accountant. In some cases, standard disclosure via a Form E will be sufficient. However, expert input may be needed where there are concerns about hidden assets, unusual transactions, business valuations, complex income, offshore structures or tax issues.
At Tyrer Roxburgh, we advise clients on financial settlements involving complex assets, business interests, property, pensions and income structures. We can help you understand when expert evidence may be needed, what questions should be asked, and how the evidence can support your wider legal strategy.
Our aim is to provide clear, practical advice from the outset, helping you protect your position and move towards a fair, informed and workable financial settlement.
About the Author
Vasoulla Constantinou is a partner at the firm and Head of Family Law. She is a SRA regulated family law solicitor with over 20 years of experience and has been awarded a specialist accreditation by Resolution, an organisation committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes in a non-confrontational manner. Vas advises clients on all matters relating to family law including divorce, financial issues and child law. For more information visit her full profile.
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