Situations of
divorce can often benefit from the services of a Certified Valuation Analyst
(CVA). For example:
Preplanning:
We would work closely with your attorney to strategize your
case, decide how to put your best foot forward, and assist in determining what
documents or records should be obtained as quickly as possible.
Prenuptial
Agreements: Pre-nuptial agreements are often invalidated by the courts
because of one or more serious shortcomings in their construction or
implementation. We can ensure that there is adequate
disclosure of financial issues so that the pre-nuptial agreements will be
able to withstand a challenge.
Business
Investigations & Valuations: At EK & L, we are
constantly involved in valuing and investigating a multitude of businesses. We will review financial statements and tax
returns, determine the true income generated by the business, determine
the funds flow and the standard of living generated by that business.
Financial
Analysis: There are many times when even if a business is not involved,
we render invaluable assistance in tracing the flow of funds between bank
accounts, determining the disposition of money, looking for hidden assets,
helping to substantiate your standard of living.
Taxes:
Even with the recent tax laws pertaining to transactions
or the flow of funds between spouses or divorcing spouses, many complex tax
issues still remain. This can mean the savings of hundreds of thousands of
dollars to divorcing parties. For matters ranging from sophisticated to mundane, we are
experienced and able to minimize the tax costs for you. Innocent spouse, sale of a house,
and transfer of
assets are just a few examples of complex tax areas where we can make the
difference.
Negotiations:
When a case warrants, you are best represented by a team of an attorney
and a CPA assisting in the negotiation process. Often, our familiarity with
finances and taxes can help settle a case creatively where there might
otherwise be a deadlock.
Expert
Witnesses: Whether it be in depositions, critiquing the opponent’s
report, or ultimately testifying in court, our extensive experience as
expert witnesses gives us the ability to best present your case and
"win" where nothing less than capable experience will do. Mere
technical knowledge and accounting skills are insufficient without a truly capable and experienced expert witness.
New Beginnings:
If the situation warrants, we are able to continue
servicing divorce clients well after the settlement. There are often
ongoing tax and financial service needs. Particularly where a
non-business or non-financial spouse comes into significant money, we are
available to provide assistance in preserving that asset by monitoring
investment decisions and performance.
We
would be happy to answer any questions you might have about business valuation
services. Please call Kevin Neyrey, CPA, CVA or Dennis Tizzard, CPA, CVA at 504/
486-7275 for assistance with these or other valuation matters.
