UNCOVERING THE TRUTH: SUPPORTING A FAMILY LAW FIRM IN COMPLEX PROCEEDINGS
HOW THOROUGH INVESTIGATIONS HELPED SECURE A FAVOURABLE OUTCOME IN BOTH FINANCIAL AND PARENTAL MATTERS
Family law disputes are rarely straightforward. Emotions run high, allegations are often contested, and the stakes are deeply personal - affecting both financial security and the wellbeing of children. In such cases, the difference between a compromised result and a fair one often comes down to independent evidence.
Recently, QNA Investigations was engaged by a prominent family law firm to assist in protracted proceedings involving both a disputed property settlement and contested parenting arrangements.
THE DISPUTE
The matter involved two central areas of conflict:
FINANCIAL SETTLEMENT
Alleged asset concealment: The wife argued that her husband had failed to disclose his true financial position, alleging that he diverted income through company structures and undervalued his business interests.
Lifestyle vs disclosure: Although claiming limited means, the husband maintained an expensive lifestyle - luxury vehicles, international travel, and business investments - suggesting hidden resources.
Documentation issues: Bank statements and tax returns provided by the husband did not align with the couple’s historic standard of living, raising concerns that assets had been concealed.
Falsified records: The husband submitted documents to support his financial disclosure, but closer inspection suggested they had been altered.
PARENTING ARRANGEMENTS
Allegations of alcohol abuse: The husband claimed that his wife was an alcoholic and therefore unfit to care for their young children.
Allegations of online activity: The husband further alleged that the wife operated an OnlyFans account, arguing this made her an unsuitable role model.
Concerns about care: The wife, in turn, alleged that the husband was unreliable, citing repeated failures to collect the children from school and other commitments.
Household stability: Both parties sought to prove that they could provide the more stable and nurturing environment for the children.
OUR INVESTIGATIVE ROLE
We were tasked with testing these allegations and uncovering the facts. Our enquiries included:
Financial analysis: Tracing the husband’s corporate and financial interests, linking him to undisclosed entities and property holdings.
Metadata examination: Forensic review of financial documents confirmed that records had been manipulated after creation, undermining the husband’s credibility.
Surveillance on the husband: Discreet monitoring revealed behaviour inconsistent with his claims - including leisure activities during times he alleged to be working and repeated failures to meet childcare responsibilities.
Allegation verification: Extensive checks confirmed there was no evidence that the wife operated, or had ever operated, an OnlyFans account.
Alcohol allegation checks: Independent enquiries confirmed that the wife did not abuse alcohol, disproving the husband’s claims.
Cybersecurity support: During proceedings, the wife suspected that her husband was accessing her personal accounts. Our forensic enquiries confirmed this. We then assisted her in securing her digital footprint by changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and strengthening protections across her email, banking, social media, and other accounts.
Independent verification: Third-party checks validated asset ownership and further undermined the husband’s disclosure.
Importantly, QNA was engaged early in the matter, which gave the wife and her legal team a strategic advantage. Early investigative insights helped guide the case from the outset and ensured that the strongest possible evidence was available as proceedings developed.
THE OUTCOME
Our findings provided the family law firm with clear, verifiable evidence that:
The husband’s financial disclosure was incomplete and, in part, falsified, leading to a more equitable settlement for the wife.
Allegations that the wife was an alcoholic and that she operated an OnlyFans account were unfounded and disproved, protecting her reputation and parenting capacity.
Surveillance highlighted inconsistencies in the husband’s reliability, supporting the wife’s claims about his lack of dependability in caring for the children.
By securing her digital accounts, the wife regained privacy and control, preventing further intrusions and strengthening her position in the proceedings.
The result was a favourable outcome for the wife - both financially and in securing stable parenting arrangements for the children.
Crucially, the cost of the investigation was far outweighed by the property settlement achieved. Without our involvement, such an outcome would not have been possible.
LESSONS FOR FAMILY LAW MATTERS
This case highlights several important lessons:
Metadata doesn’t lie: Forensic analysis can expose falsified or manipulated documents.
Independent evidence cuts through allegations: Damaging claims - from alcoholism to online activity - must be tested and either verified or disproved.
Cybersecurity is critical: Protecting personal accounts ensures privacy and prevents misuse of sensitive information.
Surveillance and verification matter: Discreet enquiries can highlight inconsistencies in the opposing party’s conduct.
Early engagement is key: Instructing professional investigators at the start of proceedings ensures evidence is captured when it matters most.
Financial scrutiny ensures fairness: Hidden or misrepresented assets can be uncovered, leading to fairer settlements.
OUR ROLE
We recognise that family law matters involve more than just numbers - they impact lives, reputations, and the wellbeing of children. Our work provides law firms with reliable, court-ready evidence that can withstand scrutiny and help secure fair outcomes for their clients.
When allegations are damaging, when records are falsified, and when digital privacy is compromised, the truth matters more than ever. And at QNA, we deliver it.
NEED CLARITY IN A COMPLEX MATTER
At QNA Investigations, we deliver facts, not assumptions - helping a wide range of clients uncover the truth with precision and integrity. If you’d like to know more, contact us by phone on +61 2 9212 5000 or via email at mail@qnainvestigations.com.au.