KW Economics prepares financial analyses for divorce and marital dissolution matters venued in Washington: income available for support, the value of business interests in the marital estate, and the tracing of separate and marital funds, each presented so that either spouse or the court can examine the figures.
A divorce or marital dissolution matter asks what income each spouse has available for support, what the marital assets, including any business interest, are worth for the division of the estate, and which assets are separate rather than marital. Each is answered from the business books, tax returns, and account histories rather than from the tax return alone. Read the full divorce and marital dissolution analysis guide.
Washington courts ask whether the methodology behind an expert opinion is generally accepted in the relevant professional community and whether the economist is qualified by training and experience to apply it, leaving disputes over the inputs to cross-examination. The methods of forensic economics are published and long used, so the examination of a damages report usually turns on its assumptions and their support in the record.
Highest court: Washington Supreme Court. Federal venues: W.D. Wash., E.D. Wash. Court system: courts.wa.gov.
Whether Washington divides marital property equitably or as community property, which valuation date applies, how income available for support is defined, and how the goodwill of a professional practice is treated are questions of law that counsel confirms; the report presents each finding so it can be applied under either party's position.
The same four steps apply to a divorce and marital dissolution matter venued in Washington; the governing framework in Washington decides how each finding is applied.
Divorce and Marital Dissolution cases venued in Washington are heard in the Superior Court (General jurisdiction; one in each of 39 counties; all civil, criminal, and domestic matters). Final appeals run to the Washington Supreme Court. Matters within federal jurisdiction proceed in the United States District Courts for the Western District of Washington and Eastern District of Washington.
Whether Washington divides marital property equitably or as community property, which valuation date applies, how income available for support is defined, and how the goodwill of a professional practice is treated are questions of law that counsel confirms; the report presents each finding so it can be applied under either party's position. Washington courts ask whether the methodology behind an expert opinion is generally accepted in the relevant professional community and whether the economist is qualified by training and experience to apply it, leaving disputes over the inputs to cross-examination. The methods of forensic economics are published and long used, so the examination of a damages report usually turns on its assumptions and their support in the record.
Request a consultation on divorce and marital dissolution cases in Washington or call (201) 343-0700. Plaintiff and defense counsel.