At Turnbull and Company, we are frequently asked to assist family lawyers in their claims. Typical services provided to family lawyers include pension valuations, business valuations and estimations of "true" income for the purpose of estimating child support. We recognize that the cost of a report is often a paramount consideration in family cases and can tailor our reports in such matters to be relatively simple and inexpensive. Often, both sides of a family case will jointly hire Turnbull and Company in order to obtain a valuation of a family asset such as a pension or a business.

A pension can be a valuable family asset. Where it is impossible or undesirable to divide it at source, we can assist in its valuation. The value of a pension at a particular date is basically the present value of the expected future benefits. Given some readily available information about the structure of the pension plan and of the individual's contribution and service status within it, the pension can be readily valued. In most cases, the cost of this report will range from $500 to $900, more for complex situations. Business valuations can be quite complex, but in the majority of family cases one spouse owns a small business. Turnbull and Company can perform a "desk valuation" based primarily upon a review of financial statements at a relatively low cost. The valuation obtained will allow a meaningful value to be put on the business. The cost of a valuation of this nature would start at $900 to $1,500, and be higher for more complex situations.

If one spouse is self-employed, then their income tax return may not provide an accurate indicator of their income for the purpose of determining child support. If the spouse's business is operated through a corporation, then the personal tax return will reflect only tax planning results, which may vary widely from the true income for the year. In the case of both incorporated and unincorporated businesses, the net income may be less than its "true" amount as a result of unreported "cash" sales or "aggressive" expense claims. Turnbull and Company can provide analysis that can help to determine the actual income of the spouse's business. The cost of this service can range from $400 to $900, more for complex situations.

We would be pleased to discuss further how we might be able to assist you with your family case. Call Kevin or Carol at 778-298-1781.