Personal and business financial records are generally not accessible as public records. However, financial assets are typically disclosed in divorce filings and are thus backed into the public record. Today, the Los Angeles Times reported that a company came to be accused of fraudulent business practices based on financial information reviewed by a Los Angeles Superior Court appointed receiver during the company president's divorce proceedings. The LA Times commented on the unexpected value of divorce cases:
"Some officials marveled that the potential fraud had come to light in the most mundane of civil proceedings."
Keep in mind that financial records are not the only records that can become public via court filings. Here are a few other examples we've commented on in the past:
- Business contracts
- Juvenile contracts and earnings
- Personnel files
- Client lists and client contact information