When people hear “forensic accountant” during divorce, expectations run high. Many assume it means hidden money will automatically be uncovered or that every financial mystery will be solved. The reality is more nuanced—and far more strategic.

In this episode, we sit down with Sara Nanchanatt, founder of SN Forensics, to demystify what forensic accounting actually does in divorce, when it’s worth the investment, and when it’s not.

Sara brings clarity to one of the most misunderstood (and expensive) parts of the divorce process—helping listeners understand how to make informed, cost-effective decisions instead of emotionally driven ones.

This conversation is especially important if you’re navigating a divorce involving business ownership, complex finances, cash-based income, or concerns about missing information.


What We Cover in This Episode


  
What a forensic accountant really does in divorce—and what they can’t do



  
Why not every divorce requires forensic accounting



  
How attorneys often default to “we need a forensic” (and why that matters)



  
When business valuations make financial sense—and when they don’t



  
The red flags forensic accountants actually look for



  
Why “cash businesses” and “hidden assets” aren’t always traceable



  
The difference between consulting, expert witness, and rebuttal roles



  
How limited-scope forensic work can save thousands



  
What questions to ask before hiring a forensic accountant



  
How preparation and document review can prevent wasted legal and expert fees





Key Takeaways for Listeners

✔️ Forensic accounting is a tool, not a guarantee

✔️ Spending money without a clear scope often leads to frustration and disappointment

✔️ The goal isn’t to “prove wrongdoing”—it’s to understand the numbers well enough to make informed decisions

✔️ Preparation before engaging experts can dramatically reduce costs

✔️ A strong divorce team communicates clearly and works collaboratively




Why This Conversation Matters

Divorce already brings emotional overload. Adding unnecessary experts—without understanding the likely outcome—can escalate costs and stress without improving results.

This episode reinforces a core MDS belief: Fear is expensive. Clarity is not.

Understanding when forensic accounting adds value—and when it doesn’t—puts control back where it belongs: with you.


About Our Guest

Sara Nanchanatt is a forensic accountant and business valuation expert with experience spanning Charles River Associates, FINRA, and complex financial investigations across multiple industries. Through SN Forensics, she works with individuals and divorce teams to uncover financial truth while prioritizing efficiency, transparency, and realistic outcomes.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.snforensics.com

(Free consultations available when referred through My Divorce Solution)


About My Divorce Solution

At My Divorce Solution, we help individuals prepare financially before decisions are made—so strategy replaces reaction. Our Financial Portrait™ gives you verified numbers, clarity around your marital estate, and a roadmap for negotiation that saves time, money, and emotional energy.


  
Take the Free Divorce Financial Assessment



  
Join the MDS Community for expert guidance and live Q&A 



  
Listen to more episodes of We Chat Divorce




Questions or topic requests? Email: wechat@ck11.net 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs clarity💬 Remember: You don’t have to decide everything today. You’re allowed to gather information first.

Protect your peace. Let knowledge be your power.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We Chat Divorce Podcast

My Divorce Solution

181. Forensic Accounting in Divorce: What It Can (and Can’t) Do, with Sarah Nanchanatt

FEB 4, 202638 MIN
We Chat Divorce Podcast

181. Forensic Accounting in Divorce: What It Can (and Can’t) Do, with Sarah Nanchanatt

FEB 4, 202638 MIN

Description

When people hear “forensic accountant” during divorce, expectations run high. Many assume it means hidden money will automatically be uncovered or that every financial mystery will be solved. The reality is more nuanced—and far more strategic. In this episode, we sit down with Sara Nanchanatt, founder of SN Forensics, to demystify what forensic accounting actually does in divorce, when it’s worth the investment, and when it’s not. Sara brings clarity to one of the most misunderstood (and expensive) parts of the divorce process—helping listeners understand how to make informed, cost-effective decisions instead of emotionally driven ones. This conversation is especially important if you’re navigating a divorce involving business ownership, complex finances, cash-based income, or concerns about missing information. What We Cover in This Episode What a forensic accountant really does in divorce—and what they can’t do Why not every divorce requires forensic accounting How attorneys often default to “we need a forensic” (and why that matters) When business valuations make financial sense—and when they don’t The red flags forensic accountants actually look for Why “cash businesses” and “hidden assets” aren’t always traceable The difference between consulting, expert witness, and rebuttal roles How limited-scope forensic work can save thousands What questions to ask before hiring a forensic accountant How preparation and document review can prevent wasted legal and expert fees Key Takeaways for Listeners ✔️ Forensic accounting is a tool, not a guarantee ✔️ Spending money without a clear scope often leads to frustration and disappointment ✔️ The goal isn’t to “prove wrongdoing”—it’s to understand the numbers well enough to make informed decisions ✔️ Preparation before engaging experts can dramatically reduce costs ✔️ A strong divorce team communicates clearly and works collaboratively Why This Conversation Matters Divorce already brings emotional overload. Adding unnecessary experts—without understanding the likely outcome—can escalate costs and stress without improving results. This episode reinforces a core MDS belief: Fear is expensive. Clarity is not. Understanding when forensic accounting adds value—and when it doesn’t—puts control back where it belongs: with you. About Our Guest Sara Nanchanatt is a forensic accountant and business valuation expert with experience spanning Charles River Associates, FINRA, and complex financial investigations across multiple industries. Through SN Forensics, she works with individuals and divorce teams to uncover financial truth while prioritizing efficiency, transparency, and realistic outcomes. 🔗 Learn more: https://www.snforensics.com (Free consultations available when referred through My Divorce Solution) About My Divorce Solution At My Divorce Solution, we help individuals prepare financially before decisions are made—so strategy replaces reaction. Our Financial Portrait™ gives you verified numbers, clarity around your marital estate, and a roadmap for negotiation that saves time, money, and emotional energy. Take the Free Divorce Financial Assessment Join the MDS Community for expert guidance and live Q&A Listen to more episodes of We Chat Divorce Questions or topic requests? Email: [email protected] 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs clarity💬 Remember: You don’t have to decide everything today. You’re allowed to gather information first. Protect your peace. Let knowledge be your power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices