Q: Should I agree with my Minnesota divorce lawyer’s recommendation to hire a financial expert?

A: In many cases, yes—especially if your divorce involves significant assets, questions about income, or long-term financial stability.

Financial experts—like forensic accountants or valuation specialists—can give clarity and credibility to issues that often make or break a fair settlement. Under Minnesota court rules, you and your lawyer are allowed to hire these experts, rely on their written reports, and even call them to testify at trial (Minn. R. Civ. P. 26.01(b); Minn. R. Civ. P. 26.02(e); Minn. R. Evid. 702).

Think of it this way: the judge can only rule on what’s presented in evidence. If you’re asking the court to understand the real-world impact of a proposed settlement—or the lack of spousal maintenance—you need data to support your position. That includes things like:

• What kind of income your property might generate
• Reasonable rates of return on investments
• What taxes or penalties could apply
• How a sale or asset shift could affect your future
• The risks of relying on certain accounts or assets long-term

A financial expert can explain all this in a clear, legally admissible format that helps the judge understand your reality—not just spreadsheets.

Also, beyond trial prep, a reputable financial planner can help you personally grasp what your financial future may look like. This includes planning around how your assets can grow, how to live on projected cash flow, and how today’s decisions affect your retirement or children’s needs down the road.

Hiring an expert early gives you and your legal team time to meet the court’s disclosure rules and avoid surprises. And while it’s an additional upfront cost, the payoff can be enormous—especially if it helps secure a better, more sustainable outcome.

If your lawyer is recommending it, it’s usually because your case has enough complexity or financial stakes that a neutral professional opinion could make a meaningful difference.