TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Dawn Babbitt

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In a profession often defined by spreadsheets and structure, Dawn Babbitt brings something more—insight, intuition, and an unwavering commitment to clarity. As the founder and Chief Visionary CPA of Houston-based Equitable Forensics, she draws on more than 20 years of accounting experience to solve complex financial puzzles, support attorneys in litigation, and provide clients with answers during life’s most difficult transitions.

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A seasoned CPA and accredited in business valuation, Dawn specializes in forensic accounting—specifically litigation support in family law and probate. Her investigative work often involves cash flow tracing, asset identification, and the valuation of businesses or estates, particularly when hidden assets or complicated property distributions are in question. “Cash flow tracing is my favorite,” she says. “That’s where you really find the truth.”

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Before founding Equitable Forensics in 2023, Dawn held diverse roles across accounting firms, energy companies, nonprofits, and legal teams. She served as a corporate controller, financial lead speaker on a federal grant, and conducted business valuations and reporting. Her cumulative experience informs her work today, equipping her to bridge financial rigor with human complexity. She also worked with governmental organizations, offering financial analysis and strategic recommendations that shaped public service programs.

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Equitable Forensics operates primarily behind the scenes, working closely with attorneys to build strong financial narratives for their cases. Whether investigating shell companies, uncovering undisclosed inheritances, or verifying the value of a marital business, the firm plays a vital—if often invisible—role in courtroom outcomes. “We’re the quiet profession,” Dawn explains. “We’re the dark horse behind the scenes.”

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The firm’s services also extend beyond litigation, offering support for mediation and settlement negotiations, and assisting individuals seeking financial clarity prior to initiating legal action. Dawn’s ability to trace the origin of funds, reconstruct records, and identify discrepancies has led to the resolution of multi-million-dollar estate cases and the discovery of offshore accounts in contentious divorce proceedings.

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What sets Dawn apart isn’t just her technical skill, but her people-first approach. Unlike the stereotypical CPA, she’s outgoing, intuitive, and attuned to the emotional weight behind each case. Twice divorced herself, she understands firsthand the fear and uncertainty clients face during family disputes. That empathy shapes how she communicates: “My reports have to be easy for lawyers to use and for clients to understand. That’s how I contribute to resolution.”

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Elected to the AICPA’s Forensic and Valuation Services section, Dawn continues to elevate standards in her field while staying rooted in purpose. She doesn’t just crunch numbers—she deciphers them, offering attorneys and clients the clarity they need to move forward.

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At its core, Equitable Forensics isn’t about numbers—it’s about people. Dawn puts it best: “Forensic accounting is how they got Al Capone. But in family law, it’s how we bring transparency, fairness, and peace of mind when it matters most.”

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Dawn Babbitt
Founder and Chief Visionary CPA
Equitable Forensics

Website: https://www.houstonforensicaccountant.cpa/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-marie-babbitt-cpa-b7a589bb/