Many people find it necessary to hire an accountant during the divorce process. In fact, your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer may recommend that you hire one – but how can an accountant help you?
Most people, whether they’re divorcing or not, can benefit by working with an accountant. If your divorce lawyer recommends that you find one, and you can afford to, start looking as soon as possible.
What Can an Accountant Do during Divorce?
During your divorce, you’ll need to make budgetary adjustments. This may include giving your spouse additional money, or no longer receiving money from your spouse. In any case, divorce affects your finances.
An accountant can manage your money and other assets during the divorce process based on your new financial situation. They can also continue to do so after your divorce has been finalized.
Your accountant can help you:
- manage tax payments and file tax returns
- create a budget that works for your income level
- help you determine which assets you can keep during and after your divorce
- help you determine which assets you should get rid of during your divorce
- provide an accurate snapshot of your financial situation for your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer and the court, which will help determine how child support and alimony are calculated
How to Find an Accountant during a Chapel Hill Divorce
If your divorce lawyer has recommended that you find an accountant, ask them if they know a local professional. Since your lawyer has likely told other clients to find accountants, they may already have connections with established, highly qualified accountants in your area.
You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations; sometimes the best accountants don’t advertise their services because they work only through referrals.
If you’re not comfortable asking around, or if you don’t have any luck doing so, check your local phone directory for a Certified Public Accountant, or CPA, or search for a CPA online.
What to Ask Potential Accountants
Before you commit to working with an accountant, you’ll need to interview several and find the one you feel can best meet your needs – even if they come with a strong recommendation from your divorce lawyer, you’ll still need to ask a few questions.
Ask your potential accountant:
- What kind of education, experience and license do you have?
- Do you do estate planning, taxes and budgets? What other services do you provide?
- Do you charge an hourly fee or a monthly retainer? How much is each?
You can also ask your accountant for references if you haven’t gotten their name from a trusted source.
Keep Talking to Your Chapel Hill Divorce Lawyer
Be sure you include your divorce lawyer on any major financial decisions you make. This includes whether you hire an accountant or not. Your lawyer’s job is to look out for your best interests, and they can’t do that if they don’t have an accurate view of your situation.
If you still don’t have an attorney, contact us. We can recommend accountants for you as well as advise you on your rights.
