When financial records are missing, incomplete, or unreliable during a divorce, it can feel overwhelming—but there are several effective methods we can use to reconstruct accurate income figures. 

Here are a few common approaches: 

1. Analyze Bank Deposits
   Reviewing personal and business bank statements helps identify regular deposits, payment patterns, and income sources.
2. Look at Historical Tax Returns
   Previous years’ filings can provide a baseline for what income typically looks like, especially when paired with current spending behavior.
3. Review Lifestyle and Spending
   Monthly expenses—such as housing, utilities, travel, and discretionary spending—can provide insight into true earning capacity.
4. Examine Third-Party Records
   Vendor statements, insurance documents, payroll reports, or point‑of‑sale summaries can fill in gaps and help validate assumptions.
5. Use Industry Benchmarks
   When documentation is limited, comparing income to standard industry ranges for similar businesses or roles can help establish reasonable estimates.