Divorce is emotional, and that emotion often interferes with the efficient distribution of the marital estate. Forensic accountants can help by locating all the assets and liabilities for marital division. These specialized certified public accountants can also investigate and analyze financial evidence and interview parties to help prevent fraud. In their tax advisor roles, CPAs helps the parties of the divorcing couples to divide the marital assets orderly and with the least tax burden. Any property that is acquired by the spouses during the marriage is generally marital property. Some retirement plans that qualify under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act are not subject to state laws that govern that govern the division of marital property. The courts determine on what is fair and equitable in 41 states for the division of assets. In the other 9 states, the separate property brought into a marriage will remain separate property as long as it remains segregated and identifiable. When there are possible tax liabilities associated with property division, CPAs can help soon-to-be ex-spouses determine how much they owe due to the divorce so they won’t be surprised come tax time. When many people get divorced, it’s easy to simply consider the immediate concerns, such as child custody, support, alimony and property division. However, the tax implications can be bigger than you might anticipate. By enlisting the help of a CPA, you will be able to determine your tax liability long before a tax bill will come due. An attorney who is

As you go to court to divide property during your divorce, it’s crucial that you ask all of the right questions and gather as much information as you can. A few questions to consider include the following: — Is there anything that could make the marriage invalid? This can happen in some cases, and it may mean you’re not obligated to split up your property the same way you would be if the marriage is valid. — What is the exact date that you and your spouse have separated? Property obtained after that date but before the divorce often doesn’t have to be divided. This way, if the divorce takes months to come together, you don’t have to split up your earnings from after the marriage is effectively over. — Do you know all of the property that you and your spouse own? You are both required to declare this to the court. Look over the records carefully, especially if you think that your spouse may try to hide assets from you. — Did you sign a prenup when you got married? This can have a drastic impact on property division, and you need to know exactly what it does. — Have you identified your debts? Remember that property division is about dividing debts as well as assets, and the way these debts are split may even have more of a long-lasting impact on your life than the division of property. To learn more about the divorce process in Massachusetts,