Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a financial expert?
Your attorney will likely be the one to suggest that you retain our services. Our litigation team was established to provide technical support and expert witness testimony in the areas of economics, finance and accounting. When litigation involves technical issues in these arenas, attorneys seek an expert who can analyze, summarize and present these issues. This is our job.
Why DSLV?
What makes us different is the way we do our work. We believe communication is the key to a successful engagement. We are constantly “brainstorming” with our clients and their legal counsel so that everyone has input on the direction of our work and the nature of our work product. We believe this is the only way to assure a final product that meets the needs of our clients.
Why Hire a CPA and not a Ph.D Economist for my Personal Injury Case?
As CPAs, we have years of experience working with small businesses and professional practices. This practical experience coupled with formal training in economics, finance, accounting, valuation and litigation consulting often makes us the clear choice in these cases. We have the ability to present complex issues in a simple understandable fashion for judge and jury. Few experts can match our experience in the courtroom. We have testified in deposition and/or trial over 120 times throughout Washington State.
What information do you need to do a business valuation?
The full extent of the information needed to complete a business valuation varies depending on the type of engagement, nature of the business, etc. However, our
"short form" includes the basic information we request before a client interview (additional information may be requested as the engagement proceeds).
What is the cost of a business valuation or economic loss calculation?
The range of fees for business valuation and economic loss engagements can vary widely depending on the size and type of the business, nature of the loss claim, whether or not the process is collaborative, how difficult the information-gathering process is, and whether or not we end up in court. After speaking with you, and/or your attorney, about the details of your engagement, we often can provide you with an estimated fee range and required deposit.
How is a valuation performed in a marital dissolution setting? Does it differ from valuations for other purposes?
Valuation in the marital dissolution arena is dictated by the prior case law in the State of Washington. As such, the acceptable approaches and methods may differ from those used in other settings. With over 40 years of experience, we are familiar with the case law and work directly with you and your attorney to be sure our services meet your needs.
What is the difference between a "collaborative" divorce and a traditional divorce?
The collaborative approach to divorce is designed to give all parties a voice and preserve the family relationships in a non-adversarial process. The process allows the parties to communicate more effectively to resolve their issues outside of the courtroom. If you are interested in learning more about collaborative divorce or whether it is right for you, give us a call and we would be happy to refer you to a collaborative attorney.
What is the fee for a pension or social security valuation?
Our typical fee for a pension or social security valuation is $400, however, the costs may vary slightly based on the difficulty of the calculation, length of the information gathering process, or the number of scenarios and/or assumptions requested.
What information do you need to prepare a pension valuation for marital dissolution?
At a minimum, we will need the name of the pension or retirement plan, the date of birth of the plan participant, the dates of marriage and separation for the parties, the preferred date of valuation (if different than the date of separation), and an estimate of the accrued monthly benefit (at the date of valuation). Depending on the type of plan, we may also request additional information.