Frequently Asked Questions
By the Workman Forensics Team
+ What does Workman Forensics do?
Workman Forensics uses our expertise to analyze your financial data, organize details, and build your case to tell the story of what actually happened, guiding you towards a successful resolution of your divorce, partnership dispute, embezzlement or other issue.
+ What documents will I need to provide?
After your case plan has been finalized, Workman Forensics will provide you with a list of documents needed to complete your engagement. Data processing and analysis work will not begin until the substantive documents for the complete period on the list have been received.
PDF statements downloaded directly from the bank or financial institution are preferred when possible as the higher quality resolution allows for more efficient and timely processing of the data. Additionally, accounting, payroll, and other reports are preferred in a csv or Excel file format when available. Providing documents that require minimal processing enables your case to move more quickly and saves you money.
Example of an “OK” Statement ($$$):
Statements that have been highlighted or written on will most likely require manual data processing. This type of statements results in higher data processing fees.
Example of a “Better” Statement ($$):
Statements that have been printed and then scanned process more efficiently than the previous statement example. However, they do not import perfectly and still require some manual clean-up and processing which results in higher data processing fees.
Example of a “Best” Statement ($):
Statements that have been downloaded directly from the financial institution’s website and saved as a PDF file are the most efficient form of statement for data processing. This type of statement will save you money in the data processing step!
+ Why do you need my bank statements?
Your bank statements are the most reliable source of information when determining where money came from and where it was spent. As third-party sources, bank statements provide “best evidence” and are more reliable than QuickBooks or other accounting systems that could have been altered.
+ It’s not possible to get statements from my bank. How can I increase the quality of my scanned statements to help keep costs down?
Keep the following in mind when scanning your documents:
Make sure the original statement is crisp and clean.
Your scanner setting should be for high resolution – preferable 300dpi.
Make sure your scanned document is not tilted; lines of text should be at a 90-degree angle to the edge of the image.
Please ensure your scanner is free from dirt, scratch marks or stray hairs.
Your document should not include any annotations or other marks.
Incorrect brightness settings can affect scan output; if the image doesn’t look clear and legible to you, it will be more difficult to process.
Avoid using older and discolored documents if possible.
+ Why don’t I see my concern listed on the case plan?
Some concerns may not be able to be addressed if reliable documentation or information is not available. We may advise, based on our experience, that addressing a particular concern may not advance your case as you would like. Please let your case manager know if there are specific issues you want to discuss; they may be able to provide more insight on what Workman Forensics can and cannot address.
+ How long will it take you to complete my case?
The amount of time depends on the complexity of your case and the amount of data processed. The number one factor is how quickly you are able to provide the documents we request. Data processing and analysis work will not begin until the substantive documents for the complete period on the document request list have been received. Working closely with your banker and/or attorney can often expedite this process. Keep in mind the number of concerns, length of the relevant period, and the number of related financial accounts all influence the timeline of a case.
+ What can I expect the end deliverable to be?
Depending on your needs, Workman Forensics can provide a full report or a shorter cover letter summarizing our findings and supported by tables and charts. If your case includes a Discovery Phase, we will provide a sample of our deliverable at the end of the Discovery Phase, which will give you a better idea of what to expect from the final product.
+ Will you be able to prove someone stole from me? Can you guarantee you will find something?
We will perform analyses that address your concerns, but ultimately will only be able to report on what is supported by data and evidence. Unfortunately, there are times that a client’s concern isn’t supported by those two things.
Keep in mind that your relationship with Workman Forensics is different than your relationship with your attorney in that we analyze the data and provide a neutral, third party assessment of the findings, while your attorney works specifically as your advocate.
+ What can Workman Forensics do that my attorney cannot?
The work we perform complements the work and efforts of your attorney. Due to our specialized experience and understanding of your concerns, we know what information will be most valuable in finding the answers you seek. We will work with you and your attorney to ensure that all pertinent financial information is obtained in its entirety. We then use our data sleuthing process to methodically examine the financial information to uncover and compare what actually happened to what should have happened.
With regard to our findings, we can testify on your behalf. If your attorney performs the analysis, he/she is unable to testify in court.
+ What is Workman Forensics going to do that I can’t do myself?
Our years of experience with financial data processing and analysis have enabled us to develop processes that increase efficiency and ensure a high quality work product. Our processes are extremely thorough to help reduce the risk that items are missed. We also take an unbiased, methodical approach to your case which gives the findings greater credibility. In addition, our experience with law enforcement, criminal cases, and civil cases is invaluable when presenting the data of your case. We know how to communicate findings to the relevant parties in a way that is clear and concise.
In less complex cases you may be able to do some of the work yourself. If you are going through a divorce and looking for a lower cost option than our full services, our Find Money in Divorce online course may be a good fit for you.
+ Will I be working with Workman Forensics directly or through my attorney?
This can depend on the client and attorney involved and their preferences and may evolve throughout the case. We will communicate with both you and your attorney as needed to progress the work as efficiently as possible.
+ Why should I use Workman Forensics instead of going directly to law enforcement?
Law enforcement has limited resources for financial cases. We work with law enforcement often, so we know the simplest ways to present the case facts. The more organized you are before filing a police report, the more likely your case will move forward. Additionally, having a letter from a third party, like Workman Forensics, lends credibility to your case.
+ Can you get my case prosecuted?
We cannot guarantee that your case will be prosecuted; however, with our specialized experience, we know how to organize and include the information law enforcement will need to make a case. Our work product has been instrumental in numerous cases in law enforcement charging the suspects.
+ Do you provide Private Investigation (PI) services?
Workman Forensics employs two licensed Private Investigators who specialize in research. We partner with other Private Investigators to perform surveillance and interviews.
+ Do you image computers or hack cell phones?
Workman Forensics does not perform digital forensics services, but we can provide referrals to other professionals in this area.
+ How can I help with my case?
Be responsive in communications with your case manager. Provide the highest quality documents possible [See What documents do I need to provide?]. Review all documents for completeness before sending.
We know data, but you know your story—the context and feedback you provide about our findings throughout your case is invaluable.
And we’ll never say no to snacks (cookies, coffee, tea).