S1:E6 – KRISTA SHELTON “Stop the Lies: How Forensics Finds Hidden Assets”

If you weren’t “the finance person” in your marriage—and now you’re staring at divorce paperwork thinking, “I don’t even know where anything is”—this episode is for you. In this episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) sits down with Krista Shelton, president and founder of Focused Forensic Solutions and a former IRS Special Agent, to break down how forensic accounting can uncover hidden income, missing documents, manipulated business numbers, and financial red flags that change everything in settlement and support. Krista explains the difference between a regular accountant and a forensic accountant (think: financial detective), when you do and don’t need forensics, and what to look for if your spouse controls the money—especially when there’s a small business, incomplete bank statements, or a lifestyle that doesn’t match reported income. You’ll learn: The biggest red flags Krista sees in divorce (small business manipulation, hidden accounts, missing months) Why bank statements are powerful third-party proof—and how one “small” transaction can expose a new account How forensics can help even at the start of discovery by guiding what to request (especially business bank records) How tax issues can sometimes be used as leverage to reach settlement (without rushing into choices that backfire) Krista’s Red Flag Analysis process: what she reviews, what she flags, and how she equips you with next steps Why “forensic” doesn’t have to mean “out of reach” (Krista shares a flat-fee model based on document volume) Becky and Krista also talk about a key truth: you don’t need revenge—you need facts. When you have the paperwork, you can negotiate from clarity instead of fear. About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast:  Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast is where real stories meet real strategies for surviving and thriving through divorce. Each episode brings expert insights from top divorce attorneys, family law specialists, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and step into YOU 2.0. 👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies 👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/ 👉 Follow Becky on social media: BECKY SAMPSON Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beckysampson11/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@divorcingstrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DivorcingStrong LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckysampson/ 🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺 ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: The content on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong