Attorney
For years, the most popular shows on network TV have been crime shows. CSI and all its various spin-offs were actually so widely watched that criminal lawyers often complain about the “CSI effect.” Apparently juries now expect police departments to collect forensic evidence like fingerprints and hair follicles every time they are called to the scene of a crime. And they are less willing to convict someone if that evidence is not available.
While the demand for DNA evidence is less common in family law cases (although it is obviously important in certain child custody disputes) some Albuquerque area couples are relying on other types of forensic evidence during their divorce.
When couples have substantial assets—think business interests, trusts, investment portfolios, multiple properties—the financial picture is often as intricate as any crime scene. In these cases, Attorney Bob Matteucci regularly consults with forensic accountants as he guides his clients through New Mexico’s family court system.
What Forensic Accountants Actually Do in Divorce
A forensic accountant is like a financial detective. Their job isn’t to pick a side. It’s to uncover facts: What assets exist? Where are they held? How are they titled? Are they community property, separate property, or some tangled mix of both?
As they answer those questions, a good forensic accountant will:
- Trace the origin of funds to determine whether an asset is marital or separate.
- Evaluate the value of a business, including intangibles like goodwill or branding.
- Analyze bank records and tax returns for unusual transfers or discrepancies.
- Suggest ways to divide up your assets while minimizing taxes, ensuring your cash flow is not interrupted, and thinking about long-term consequences.
Just like the team on CSI, they follow the evidence wherever it leads—sometimes uncovering surprises, but often just helping to clarify what’s already there.
Why This Matters in an Amicable Divorce
At Matteucci Family Law, we work with a lot of business owners, physicians, and professionals with significant assets—people smart enough to know that duking it out in court will not do them any favors. Forensic accountants help keep everyone calm and future-focused by removing guesswork and lowering emotions around the financial aspects of divorce.
When everyone is working from the same set of facts, it’s much easier to reach a resolution without litigation. And unlike TV drama, no one needs to storm out of the room.
You Don’t Need a Crime to Justify Forensics
The word “forensic” might sound dramatic, but in divorce, it’s simply about getting the information everyone needs in order to move forward. If your financial life is complex, or if you’re unsure about the true value or status of your marital estate, it’s worth bringing in a neutral third party who can sort through the nitty gritty details.
Serving Families with Dignity & Compassion
At Matteucci Family Law, we regularly partner with skilled forensic accountants to help our Albuquerque area clients find clarity and get closure in cases involving complex assets.
Whether you’re dealing with a closely held business, commingled investments, or just a lot of moving parts, we help you approach your divorce like a case to be solved, not a battle to be won. Please contact Bob today to set up a meeting and discuss your case.