Income and business distributions are not interchangeable. Business owners may receive wages, pass-through income, distributions, guaranteed payments, or other forms of compensation, each with different financial and tax implications. In a Florida divorce, reviewing the nature and history of these payments can provide a more accurate picture of cash flow and financial resources than relying on a single figure from a tax return.

Personal goodwill belongs to an individual and generally reflects reputation, relationships, and future earning capacity. Enterprise goodwill belongs to the business and may continue even if ownership changes. In Florida divorce cases, distinguishing between the two can significantly affect the value assigned to a business during equitable distribution. Identifying goodwill correctly helps attorneys build stronger cases and supports more accurate business valuations.

Discover when hiring a forensic accountant is worth the investment in divorce. Soman Forensics explains key financial red flags, hidden asset concerns, business interests, and other situations that may justify a deeper financial investigation.

Originally published in the Florida Bar Family Law Section Commentator, Issue No. 3, 2025. Republished here with credit to the original publication. Introduction Amid the typical scrutiny of assets, liabilities, and income, Section 72(t) of the Internal Revenue Code1 (commonly referred to as “Rule 72(t)”) is often overlooked as a potential source of income in dissolution of marriage cases. This provision of the Code permits early withdrawals from retirement accounts without i

Audited financial statements don’t always tell the full story in divorce cases. Jason Soman explains their limitations and the financial issues forensic analysis can uncover.

What can Trump’s 2020 tax return teach family lawyers? Soman Forensics examines pass-through entity losses, distributions, and why taxable income doesn’t necessarily reflect a party’s true cash flow.

Schedule C can reveal important information about business income, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Jason Soman of Soman Forensics & Business Valuation CPAs explains what family lawyers should know when reviewing Schedule C and when additional financial information may be needed.

Jason Soman of Soman Forensic & Valuation CPAs is turning the Tax Return Tuesday series into “Tax Return Tips for Family Lawyers.” Follow along each Tuesday as Jason shares practical insights for reviewing tax returns in divorce—and invites accountants and family lawyers to contribute their own tips along the way.

What can the FTX saga teach divorce attorneys about financial investigations? Jason Soman of Soman Forensic & Valuation CPAs examines property records, hidden assets, and the financial breadcrumbs that can matter in divorce forensic accounting.

Schedule E Part I can reveal rental real estate and royalty income—but it may not tell the entire financial story. Learn what family lawyers should look for and what additional documents may be needed.

Jason Soman of Soman Forensics & Valuation CPAs explains why determining income for real estate investors in divorce can be more complex than simply reviewing a tax return—and why depreciation, pass-through entities, refinancing, distributions, and other financial information may be important when evaluating true income and available cash flow.

Jason Soman of Soman Forensics & Valuation CPAs explains why family lawyers should always review the refund section of Form 1040 during divorce financial discovery—and how refunds applied to future tax years may represent marital tax assets that should not be overlooked.

The fraud triangle can help explain financial misconduct in divorce cases. See how opportunity, incentive, and rationalization can reveal where to focus a financial investigation.

Splitting an investment account in divorce isn’t always as simple as dividing the shares equally. Jason Soman of Soman Forensic & Valuation CPAs explains how differences in cost basis and embedded capital gains can create a significantly unequal financial outcome for divorcing spouses.

How do you prove something doesn’t exist? In divorce cases, claims involving hidden assets or financial manipulation can require forensic accountants to investigate the seemingly impossible—proving a negative. Soman Forensics & Valuation CPAs explores how careful analysis, targeted testing, and circumstantial evidence can help uncover the facts and guide financial discovery.