It’s always stunning to me how many families represent almost no taxable income but live in splendor in vast palatial estates in fancy neighborhoods. They often have a matched pair of incredibly expensive German cars in the driveway. Their kids go to private schools and the family passports are stamped from a variety of exotic getaways.
Then a separation prior to divorce occurs. The in-spouse (controller of the business) represents to the family law courts almost no income. The out-spouse is enraged, but can’t prove the family income because they have limited records. Doomed to a life of despair among the hoi poloi (great unwashed … aka … common folk), they have to find a forensic accountant to save them.
Tracy Coenen, Forensic Accountant, CPA and CFF (Certified in Financial Forensics by the AICPA), has written an excellent article about how to assess income available for support via lifestyle analysis.