Follow the Money: The Role of Business Valuation in Dividing the Marital Estate

When a privately held business is part of a divorce, determining its value can become one of the most complex and consequential aspects of the case. In this episode of I Now Pronounce You Divorced, our host Charles D. Hatley, Esq., and Matt Springer, Director of Business Valuation and Litigation Support, take a practical look at business valuation in divorce proceedings and explain why attorneys should consider involving a valuation expert early in the process.The conversation explores the financial records and analysis that can make or break a valuation, including tax returns, financial statements, forecasts, budgets, cash flow, and normalized expenses. Charles and Matt also discuss how to identify red flags, tailor discovery requests, and avoid unnecessary costs by focusing on the documents and information that actually matter.For family law attorneys, the message is clear: timing matters, preparation matters, and following the money matters. A thoughtful valuation process can uncover issues early, strengthen expert testimony, streamline discovery, and help ensure that the business interest is evaluated objectively and fairly.