Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our forensic accounting and expert witness services.
What is forensic accounting?
Forensic accounting applies accounting, auditing, and investigative skills to disputes and investigations where financial evidence is required. Forensic accountants quantify loss, value businesses, investigate fraud, and provide expert witness evidence in court proceedings under CPR Part 35, FPR Part 25, or CrPR Part 33.
When should I instruct a forensic accountant?
Instruct a forensic accountant as early as possible when a dispute or investigation involves financial quantification, business valuation, or analysis of financial records. Early instruction allows preliminary assessment of whether expert evidence is warranted and can identify the financial issues that will determine the outcome.
Does Sterling Forensic accept Single Joint Expert appointments?
Yes. Sterling Forensic accepts SJE appointments in commercial disputes, family proceedings, and construction quantum matters. We confirm availability and realistic timelines at the outset of the instruction process.
What courts and tribunals does Sterling Forensic work in?
We provide expert evidence in the High Court, Technology and Construction Court (TCC), County Court, Family Court, Crown Court, and in arbitration and adjudication proceedings across England and Wales. Sterling Forensic is a United Kingdom practice and does not accept instructions for proceedings outside England and Wales.
Does Sterling Forensic handle shareholder disputes?
Yes. Shareholder disputes under s994 Companies Act 2006 are a dedicated practice area. We provide fair value valuations, assess minority discount arguments, and accept party-appointed and Single Joint Expert appointments in shareholder oppression proceedings.
What forensic accounting services does Sterling Forensic provide?
We provide forensic accounting across expert witness reporting, commercial disputes, business valuations, shareholder fair value analysis, loss and damages quantification, fraud investigation, asset tracing, construction quantum, family financial remedy, insolvency, and regulatory proceedings — all for matters in England and Wales.
Does Sterling Forensic provide business valuations for disputes?
Yes. We value businesses and shareholdings for shareholder disputes, financial remedy proceedings, partnership dissolution, and commercial litigation. Valuations use maintainable earnings methodology with transparent multiple and discount reasoning.
How does Sterling Forensic quantify loss and damages?
We quantify loss and damages in commercial and contractual disputes by establishing a but-for baseline, applying appropriate loss of profits or consequential loss methodology, and preparing CPR Part 35 expert reports suitable for trial. Our work covers breach of contract, warranty claims, supply agreement breaches, and business interruption.
Does Sterling Forensic accept instructions outside the United Kingdom?
No. Sterling Forensic is a United Kingdom practice focused exclusively on matters in England and Wales. Our expert witness work follows UK court rules and our reports are prepared for proceedings in this jurisdiction.
Does Sterling Forensic handle construction quantum disputes?
Yes. Construction quantum is a core practice area. We provide financial accounting expert evidence on overhead recovery, loss of profit on contract, prolongation costs, and disruption costs in TCC proceedings and adjudication.
Can Sterling Forensic investigate fraud under legal professional privilege?
Yes. Fraud investigations are typically instructed via solicitors to preserve legal professional privilege over the investigation and resulting report. We conduct investigations under LPP and provide reports suitable for civil recovery proceedings and freezing injunction applications.
What are Sterling Forensic's hourly rates?
We provide fee estimates at the outset of every instruction and agree scope before commencing work. Fixed fee options are available for defined-scope reports. Contact us for current rate information.
Does Sterling Forensic accept Legal Aid instructions?
Yes. We accept Legal Aid funded instructions in personal injury, clinical negligence, and family proceedings where a forensic accountant is required. Our rates are consistent with LAA guidance.
How quickly can Sterling Forensic respond to an urgent instruction?
We respond to all enquiries within one business day. For urgent matters, including adjudication proceedings with tight timetables, contact us directly and we will confirm availability and the earliest realistic delivery date.
What qualifications do Sterling Forensic's practitioners hold?
Our practitioners hold ACA or FCA qualifications (ICAEW), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) accreditation, ICAEW Forensic Accreditation, and membership of the Academy of Experts and Expert Witness Institute. See our Qualifications page for full details.
Does Sterling Forensic work with quantity surveyors on construction disputes?
Yes. Construction quantum disputes frequently require both quantity surveying and financial accounting expertise. We work alongside RICS-qualified quantity surveyors and delay analysts, providing the financial accounting perspective on overhead recovery, loss of profit, and cost treatment in the company's accounts.
What sectors does Sterling Forensic specialise in?
We have sector expertise in construction and engineering, technology and digital businesses, financial services, professional practices, and retail and hospitality. Sector knowledge informs our approach to valuation methodology and loss quantification in each engagement.
Instruct Sterling Forensic
Get in touch to discuss your forensic accounting instruction. We aim to respond within one working day.