Business Details
Trusted Accounting and Financial Expertise in Laguna Hills, CA
Skorheim & Associates is a distinguished accounting and business consulting firm with over 50 years of combined experience in forensic accounting, trust and estate services, and tax planning. Our team of CPAs and attorneys has testified in more than 300 business litigation cases and served as court-appointed neutrals, delivering expert analysis in commercial damages, fiduciary duty, and complex financial disputes. We specialize in trust and estate accounting, preparing intricate fiduciary returns for national banks while representing beneficiaries in tax matters. Our forensic accounting division provides expert testimony in commercial civil, employment, and family law cases, supported by sophisticated damage analyses and fraud investigations. In tax and financial planning, we offer a holistic approach to minimize tax burdens, optimize retirement strategies, and ensure seamless business succession.Our professionals hold leadership roles on public and private boards, blending legal and financial expertise to address multifaceted client needs. With a client base spanning real estate, healthcare, technology, and finance, we deliver tailored solutions grounded in deep industry knowledge. Our commitment to accuracy and objectivity has earned trust from national institutions and high-net-worth individuals alike. We prioritize transparency, ethical standards, and personalized service to achieve clients' financial objectives efficiently. This dedication to excellence positions us as a trusted partner in navigating complex financial landscapes.
Services
Trust and Estate Accounting
Forensic Accounting
Tax Planning
Expert Testimony
Business Valuation
Highlights and features
- We have testified in over 300 business litigation cases as financial experts.
- Our team holds certifications including CPA, CFE, and CGMA for specialized expertise.
- We provide holistic tax and financial planning tailored to individual and business needs.
- We serve as court-appointed neutrals in complex fiduciary duty matters.
- Our professionals combine legal and accounting experience to resolve multifaceted disputes.
Services
Trust and Estate Accounting
Skorheim & Associates specializes in complex trust and estate accounting, preparing fiduciary tax returns for national banks and beneficiaries. Our experts navigate intricate tax codes to minimize liabilities while providing litigation support in trust disputes. Clients benefit from tailored strategies that ensure compliance and protect asset integrity through meticulous documentation and court testimony.
Forensic Accounting
Our forensic accounting team conducts detailed damage analyses, fraud investigations, and business valuations for litigation cases. With experience in over 300 court cases, we deliver objective financial insights in commercial disputes, breach of contract matters, and insurance claims. Our work supports legal teams with quantifiable evidence and expert courtroom testimony to resolve complex financial conflicts.
Tax Planning
We offer comprehensive tax planning services that integrate estate, retirement, and business succession strategies. Our CPAs design tax-efficient structures for individuals and corporations, focusing on real estate investments, family businesses, and high-net-worth portfolios. Through 1031 exchanges and holistic financial planning, we help clients optimize savings and reduce long-term tax burdens.
Expert Testimony
Skorheim & Associates provides expert testimony in commercial litigation, family law, and fiduciary duty cases. Our professionals, recognized by the Orange County Bar Association, deliver clear, data-driven analyses in courtrooms and arbitration settings. With decades of experience, we clarify complex financial issues for judges and juries, supporting favorable legal outcomes.
Business Valuation
Our business valuation experts assess company worth for mergers, acquisitions, and litigation purposes. We employ rigorous methodologies to analyze financial health, market position, and risk factors across industries. Clients receive defensible valuations for shareholder disputes, tax reporting, and strategic decision-making, backed by deep expertise in accounting and legal frameworks.
People
Jim M. Skorheim
Founder & Managing Partner
Jim Skorheim, JD, CPA, is a renowned financial expert witness with 35+ years of experience. He has testified in over 300 cases, including the landmark Beckman v. Flextronics trial. A former Deloitte partner, he specializes in forensic accounting, business valuation, and fiduciary duty matters.
James Skorheim
Tax and Financial Planning Director
James Skorheim, CPA, focuses on tax-efficient strategies for real estate investors and business owners. He manages retirement planning, estate tax mitigation, and investment advisory services through Dorman Skorheim Wealth Management, leveraging a holistic approach to client financial health.
Jonathan M. Skorheim
Attorney & Valuation Analyst
Jonathan Skorheim, JD, CPA, handles forensic accounting and business valuation cases in family law and commercial litigation. With experience in fraud investigations and court-appointed roles, he provides expert analysis in breach of fiduciary duty and partnership disputes across multiple industries.
Questions
What industries do Skorheim & Associates serve?
We serve clients in real estate, healthcare, technology, finance, manufacturing, and professional services, offering tailored financial expertise across diverse sectors.
How does your firm handle complex litigation cases?
Our team combines CPA and legal credentials to deliver forensic analysis, expert testimony, and damage assessments in over 300 business litigation cases.
What tax planning services do you offer?
We provide holistic tax strategies for individuals and businesses, including estate tax mitigation, retirement planning, and real estate investment optimization through 1031 exchanges.
Can you assist with fiduciary tax returns?
Yes, we prepare complex fiduciary, estate, and gift tax returns for national banks and beneficiaries, ensuring compliance with evolving tax regulations.
Do you provide expert testimony outside Orange County?
While recognized in Orange County, our experts have testified in federal courts nationwide, offering objective financial analysis for litigation and arbitration.
How do you approach business valuation disputes?
We use rigorous valuation methodologies and industry-specific insights to resolve shareholder disputes, merger conflicts, and fiduciary duty cases with defensible results.
