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Family dispute services

Family dispute Services

In family law matters, Lotus Amity can assist in providing family dispute services. We identify the evidence and then analyse and interpret that evidence. This allows the parties to make informed decisions.

Family dispute evidence includes documents, records, and statements. Examples of evidence include tax returns, bank and credit card statements, loan agreements and insurance documents.

Our role

We can act as a consulting expert in family dispute matters. We can advise on the key facts, issues and strategy. This can help the parties reach a more equitable settlement. Alternatively, we can act as an expert witness , either jointly or one party.

We can identify and quantify assets and liabilities. We can value investments and business interests. We can trace assets and search for hidden assets. We can determine the distribution and assist the court in understanding the financial matters.

Expert Report

As an expert in family dispute matters, we are aware of the requirements of the court. These requirements include Rule 7.03 of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Family Law) Rules 2021.

In addition, we adhere to the relevant professional codes of practice. Relevant practice codes include the APES 215 Forensic Accounting and the APES 225 Valuation Standards.

As an expert witness, our duty is to the court. We do not act as an advocate to a party. As such, we provide objective, impartial independent opinions.

An expert report usually includes:

  • the reasons for the conclusions reached
  • the methods adopted
  • relevant and material facts
  • the material assumptions made

Financial profiling

A financial profile can be created for a spouse. The financial profile reconciles reported income to current lifestyle. Alternatively, a betterment analysis compares the movement in net assets to reported income in that same period. A betterment process includes:

  • identifying all income sources, including the sale of assets and gifts
  • identifying all expenses and asset purchases
  • comparing with known assets and liabilities

About the author

Simon is a CA Accredited Business Valuer, Chartered Accountant, and a Certified Fraud Examiner. Simon specialises in providing forensic accounting and business valuation services services. Prior to founding Lotus Amity, he was a Forensic Accounting partner with BDO Australia and led their National Forensics practice. He has worked as a forensic director for a major offshore forensic accounting practice which included assisting in multi-billion-dollar litigation in relation to the massive Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme.