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Law Office Of Richard Roman Shum, Esq., PLLC

Experienced Manhattan Divorce Lawyer

A STEADY HAND AND EXPERIENCED ADVOCATE ON YOUR SIDE.

Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq., PLLC.

Integrity. Experience. Results.

Divorce Lawyer in Manhattan - Family Law and Divorce Attorneys | Divorce Attorney Law Offices | Divorce and Family Lawyers | Complex Divorce Law Firm

Richard Shum brings over a decade of experience to his legal practice, effectively fighting for and protecting his clients during the most difficult times of their lives.

As a father, lifelong New Yorker, and seasoned Manhattan divorce attorney, he dedicates himself to providing the highest level of care and service to every client, guiding and protecting you every step of the way to protect what matters most: your family, your business, and your life.

Attorney Richard Shum has worked with many families and helped them deal with child support, spousal support, and many other concerns surrounding divorce. 

Call us today at (646) 259-3416 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced family and divorce attorney.

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A Veteran of the Law

When it comes to custodial, marital, and financial battles, nothing is more important than choosing the right lawyer. Part of Richard Shum’s success as an attorney lies in his distinct level of experience. His years of working with clients to avoid litigation when possible, while getting the best possible results when litigation becomes unavoidable, have helped him develop an effective method of comprehensive strategic planning for each individual client, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. His calm, focused, and pragmatic approach helps clients masterfully navigate any legal issue.

A lifelong New Yorker and resident of the Lower East Side, holding multiple degrees from Suffolk University School of Law, Washington University in St. Louis, and Emerson College, Mr. Shum brings an unparalleled level of understanding and experience to clients from all walks of life. His Professional Associations include the New York County Bar Association, New York City Bar Association, Copyright Society of the USA, and American Bar Association.

If you are looking for information on family law, our website covers a range of important topics related to divorce law and legal separation, including child custody, clients’ rights, and more. Our attorneys are well-versed in the laws and regulations surrounding these issues, and we work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the best possible outcome in their cases.

As one of the leading law firms in Manhattan and throughout NY, we take pride in representing our clients with the utmost professionalism and integrity. Our team of lawyers and support staff are dedicated to providing the highest level of service to our clients, and we work tirelessly to ensure that their needs are met. If you are in need of legal representation for a divorce or legal separation case, we encourage you to contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.

“In both cases attorney Shum was great to work with. Navigating both of these situations was, at times, confusing. Attorney Shum made the details of both matters easy for me to comprehend.”

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THE ASSURANCE OF PEACE OF MIND.

Protecting Your Family

I understand firsthand how overwhelmingly stressful legal battles are for you and your family, due to the emotionally charged nature of the situation. My goal is to fight and win for you so that you can breathe again and focus on what truly matters: time with your family. because there's nothing more important than that.

At the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, we understand that legal separation and divorce law can be difficult topics to navigate. That’s why our firm has a team of experienced attorneys who are skilled in these areas of law. If you’re looking for New York City divorce lawyers, look no further than our firm.

Call us now at (646) 259-3416.

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Our Practice Areas

Divorce

Litigating a divorce can be daunting and complex. You need an able lawyer for divorce to defend your rights and bring the matter to the best possible conclusion. In both contested and uncontested divorce cases, I provide competent and experienced representation from inception through trial in court.

Family Law

With professionalism and care, as your divorce lawyer, I guide and represent you through all areas of family court, including child custody, visitation, child support, and family offense. I work alongside you and advocate for your needs every step of the way.

Child Support

Whatever your circumstances, I understand that your children come first. A fair Order of Support is essential in order to attend to their needs and is a primary goal of my practice. A strong presentation of individual circumstances is necessary for custody battles, and I work with you to present your custody issues in the strongest and most effective way possible.

Spousal Support

Spousal support is only one of the awards that a court may order when a couple gets divorced. It used to be called “alimony.” I can help you pursue financial support from your former partner to maintain your standard of living and ease your transition back into single life.

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Fighting against the legal system can be terrifying, but with Richard Shum, you never have to fight alone.

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Experienced Manhattan Divorce Lawyer - NYC Divorce & Family Law Attorney

Going through a divorce can be overwhelming. Divorce cases are often emotionally and financially exhausting for everyone involved. If the divorce is contentious, the strain on each spouse can mount every day, and, if the process drags on, the situation can become still more challenging.  Whether you are divorcing in Manhattan or somewhere else in New York, having skilled representation by an experienced attorney can significantly reduce both the emotional and financial damage from a divorce.

I understand the repercussions a divorce can have on your life and your family. My aim is to guide you through the process as painlessly as possible. Through our experience in handling family law cases, we can provide legal representation that is tailored to the client’s needs.

As your Manhattan divorce attorney, I believe in the importance of having a clear, pragmatic, and powerful approach to family law, and advocating for each of my clients with passion and determination. If you are facing a tough contested divorce situation or are working with an uncontested divorce, we may be able to provide the legal advice you need.

Our attorneys at the Law Office of Richard Shum have a wealth of experience in divorce law and can help you understand your rights and options. We know that every divorce is unique, which is why we take the time to review your case and develop a personalized strategy that works for you. Whether you’re dealing with child custody issues, property division, or spousal support, we’re here to help.

Call us today at (646) 259-3416 to schedule a free consultation.

Grounds for DivorceDefinition
No-Fault Divorce (Irretrievable Breakdown)Both parties agree that the marriage has irretrievably broken down over the past six months.
Cruel and Inhuman TreatmentPhysical, verbal, or emotional abuse that can endanger a person’s well-being.
AbandonmentOne spouse abandoned the other for a period of at least a year or refused to engage in sexual relations.
ImprisonmentOne spouse has been in prison for three or more years in a row, and the sentence must have started after the marriage.
AdulteryEvidence from a third party that one spouse committed adultery.
Judgment of SeparationBoth spouses have been separated by a separation agreement for over a year.

“Attorney Richard Shum assisted my family and I with a very difficult landlord. At a time of a lot of concern and uncertainty, Mr. Shum was there for us every inch of the way, his confidence and vast knowledge of the law, together with his passion for it and for helping people, provided us the serenity to go on about our life, while he took care of they daunting matter. At the end we reached an agreement only Atterney Shum could achieve. Since I recommended his service to any friends that is in need of help with legal matters, from Landlord/Tenant to family court, and in every case I receive a thank you call from said friends, following the successful outcome he provided. So, as I say to my friends, if you need an Attorney that will fight for you, and not stress you out, call this guy. you will thank me.”

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How Our Team of Divorce Lawyers Can Help With Your Manhattan Divorce

Our law firm understands how important it is to minimize conflict in divorce cases. When you hire us, you will not only get a lawyer who is skilled at providing the legal representation you need but also someone who will advocate for you and strive to get you a favorable outcome.

The skilled lawyers at the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum will work hard to help you minimize the tension and create aggressive strategies when necessary to ensure that your rights are protected. Our experienced attorneys will handle your case with attention and compassion. We want you to be satisfied with the outcome and help you start anew.

Divorce is not something that you have to go through alone. Family law attorney Richard Shum and our team of divorce lawyers are here to help you.

Call the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum today to schedule a free consultation at (646) 259-3416.

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Divorce Attorney Richard Shum Discusses the Types of Divorce in New York

There are two main types of divorce cases in New York:

An uncontested divorce happens when the couple agrees to end their marriage without any arguments about the main issues surrounding their divorce. If the couple is able to agree on matters such as property division, alimony, and custody of any children they share, they may be able to file for an uncontested divorce. 

Getting an uncontested divorce can have many benefits. They usually provide a way for both parties to have open communication about key divorce issues. When there are minor children involved, an uncontested divorce can be a great option to lessen the tension and emotional struggle between the couple. 

However, an uncontested divorce can still turn into a contested one if the communication between the couple takes an unfriendly turn. In such a situation, having a skilled Manhattan divorce attorney is important.

A contested divorce happens when there are disputes over key divorce issues. This type of divorce usually goes to court and a judge makes the decisions for the couple. Thus, contested divorce proceedings can take up more time and increase the tension between the parties. 

There are a lot of steps involved in a contested divorce. First, the petitioner would need to prepare, file, and serve the divorce petition to the other spouse. Then, the other spouse will have to respond to the petition and both sides will have to hire their own lawyer. Next comes the “divorce discovery”, where both spouses will gather information related to the divorce. After the discovery, pre-trial and hearings come next, then settlement proposals and negotiations. 

If the settlement negotiations fail, the couple will have to go to a trial. Once the trial is over, the couple may file an appeal if they want to dispute the judge’s decisions. 

In a contested divorce, having an experienced divorce attorney can make a huge difference. A skilled lawyer can work to create strategies that will help resolve the case in the client’s best interests.

At the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, our team of lawyers will work with you and guide you throughout the contested divorce process. We will attempt to resolve any issues through careful negotiations, but we can also use aggressive strategies, if necessary, to ensure that you get what you deserve out of the divorce. We are prepared to take your case to trial and ensure that we are able to protect your legal rights.

To schedule a free consultation, call us at (646) 259-3416.

“I was very impressed with how astute, detail oriented and methodical Richard is with his work. He is experienced, technically proficient, highly effective and an excellent negotiator, who is proactive and knows the law inside and out. Richard kept me informed regularly and was responsive to all my requests and queries. All the traits that any good lawyer worth his salt should possess.”

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Family Lawyer Richard Roman Shum Explains the Grounds for Divorce in New York

There are a few different grounds for a divorce in New York. “Grounds” refer to the legally acceptable reasons why someone would want to get a divorce in New York. One of these grounds is the “no-fault” divorce also known as “Irretrievable Breakdown”. This ground happens if both parties agree that the marriage has irretrievably broken down over the past six months. In other states, this ground is also commonly known as irreconcilable differences.

A no-fault divorce will only be granted after key issues such as property distribution, spousal support, child support, visitation & custody, and debts are resolved by the couple or determined by the court.

The other grounds for divorce in New York are as follows: 

  • Cruel and inhuman treatment – physical, verbal, or emotional abuse that can endanger a person’s well-being can be a ground for divorce. If the petitioner finds that it is “unsafe” to live with the other person, they may file for a divorce. However, the judge will look at specific instances of abuse or cruelty before they grant the divorce under this specific reason.
  • Abandonment – This ground can be used if one spouse abandoned the other for a period of at least a year. Also, if one spouse refuses to engage in sexual relations with the other, this can also be considered abandonment. In such a situation, it can be considered “constructive abandonment”.
  • Imprisonment – If one spouse has been in prison for three or more years in a row, this can be a ground for divorce. However, the sentence must have started after the marriage. It is possible to file for a divorce even if the other spouse is still in prison. This ground can also be used to file for a divorce up to five years after the other spouse’s release from prison.
  • Adultery – To be able to use adultery as grounds for divorce, there must be evidence from a third party that one spouse committed adultery.
  • Judgment of Separation – If both spouses have been separated by a separation agreement for over a year, then they may be able to use it as grounds for divorce. The couple may be able to use their separation agreement to make the divorce easier. They have the option to follow the terms of the separation instead of drafting a new one for the divorce. However, the couple must have lived separately for a year after the agreement was drafted before they may be allowed to use this ground for their divorce.

At the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, New York divorce lawyer Richard Shum and our team of skilled Manhattan divorce lawyers may be able to help you navigate the complexities surrounding the divorce process.

If you are looking for experienced legal advice regarding your divorce, call our Manhattan office today at (646) 259-3416 to schedule a free consultation.

To successfully navigate a high net-worth divorce in Manhattan, it’s imperative to seek the counsel of an experienced attorney who can handle the intricacies and complexities of such cases. Typically, a high net-worth divorce involves over one million dollars in net liquid assets and is subject to New York’s law that enforces equitable distribution of marital assets. In today’s landscape, these divorces can involve even higher liquid assets, making it all the more important to have a knowledgeable attorney such as Richard Roman Shum.

The process of equitable distribution in New York State involves several steps, including identifying assets, categorizing them as marital, separate, or a combination of both, valuing the marital assets, and equitably distributing them between both parties. The valuation, distribution, and identification of assets in high-net-worth divorces can be particularly complex.

We have a proven track record of success and have helped countless clients in Manhattan and throughout NY. Our clients appreciate our personalized approach and our commitment to achieving the best possible outcome in every case.

If you’re ready to speak with one of our attorneys about your legal separation or divorce case, click here to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your case, answer any questions you may have, and help you understand your rights and options.

Richard Roman Shum is a skilled attorney with extensive experience in handling high-net-worth divorce cases. He recognizes the inherent risks involved, particularly for individuals who have worked hard to attain their wealth. With his experience, clients can navigate the complexities of high-net-worth divorces more effectively, ensuring a just and equitable outcome. Call The Law Office of Richard Roman Shum today to schedule a consultation. 

Child custody refers to the legal responsibility to take care of a child. In divorce cases, legal custody means having the decision-making power over important aspects of a child’s life such as education and healthcare. In New York, there are two types of legal custody: sole custody and joint custody.

Sole custody is when only one parent has the ultimate decision-making power in the child’s life. While the non-custodial parent has the right to weigh in when it comes to deciding about the child’s education or medical aspects, they will not be able to make any decisions. Only the custodial parent will have authority and control in each decision that affects the child’s welfare.

Joint custody, on the other hand, refers to a situation where both parents share the decision-making power about their child’s life. In a joint custody arrangement, the parents are expected to communicate openly about their child’s current situation and to keep both sides informed about the child’s needs. Parents who share custody are also expected to make decisions together.

Custody is separate from visitation. Visitation refers to the right of a non-custodial parent to see or visit the child. The court may set a visitation schedule that will suit the child and the non-custodial parent’s schedule. In some cases, the court can also allow both parents to decide how visitation can happen.

One key issue in a divorce proceeding is maintenance (also known as alimony or spousal support). Alimony is made for spouses who are going to leave a marriage without the means to support themselves financially. Depending on the situation of the couple, monetary spousal support can be awarded for a definite amount of time or it can also be long-term. Even while the divorce process is ongoing, spousal support may be made available. 

Spousal support or alimony is an issue that can raise tension between the couple. Awarding alimony is usually determined on an individual basis. The courts will consider facts such as how long the couple has been married, their income, contributions to the marriage, and other factors. Unless both parties file a modification of the spousal support, they are expected to comply. 

Spousal support can quickly become very complicated, especially in high-net-worth divorces. Our team of experienced divorce attorneys at the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum may be able to help you protect your legal and financial interests in a divorce. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

New York is an “equitable division” state. Equitable division means that the court will divide the marital property fairly. The couple will not get a 50/50 share of the property but will rather receive a share that the court deems fair.

In order to understand how this distribution works, it is important to understand the difference between separate and marital properties. According to New York Domestic Relations Law, separate property refers to property that belongs to one spouse exclusively.

Separate property can also refer to

  • property obtained or owned before marriage.
  • property obtained by inheritance or gift from someone other than the spouse.
  • compensation for personal injuries during the marriage, excluding loss of wages or earning capacity compensation.
  • any increase in the value of the separate property.
  • if a prenuptial agreement exists, any property is described as separate property in that agreement.

Marital property refers to any property owned or obtained by the couple over the course of their marriage. These properties usually include the home, a business that the couple started together, and others. In the case of equitable distribution, such assets will be counted and distributed equitably among the couple.

Seeking the legal advice of an experienced New York attorney can help you and your spouse identify marital property from separate property. The skilled divorce attorneys at the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum will work hard to protect your financial interests and help ensure that you can get a favorable outcome.

Call us today at (646) 259-3416 to schedule a free consultation.

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New York Divorce Lawyer Richard Shum Explains the Divorce Requirements in New York City

In New York before the courts will consider issuing a divorce decree, there are requirements that must be met. One of these divorce requirements is the residency requirement of the couple. The divorce will only proceed if at least one of the parties has been a resident of the state for at least 60 days prior to the filing of the petition. If there is a dispute in the residency, the petitioner may provide proof that they have lived in the state by showing their driver’s license, a lease, or other documents that may be proof of residency. 

There may also be exceptions to the divorce residency requirement. If a person is stationed on a military post, they may still be able to pursue a divorce. Even if they are not permanently residing in the state, they can still petition for a divorce as long as they have been stationed within the state for 60 days before they file the petition. 

These requirements are very important for the petitioner to keep in mind before they proceed to file for a divorce. Failure to comply with these requirements can cause delays in the process. Only after they have established the residency requirement will they be able to proceed with the divorce. 

A skilled divorce lawyer may be able to help in ensuring that all requirements are met. Speak to the experienced Manhattan attorneys at the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum today to schedule a free consultation.

Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq., PLLC.

Getting Legal Help From Skilled Lawyers at a Manhattan Divorce Law Firm

Going through a divorce is never easy. It can be a highly emotional time and can bring a lot of stress to everyone involved. Having a skilled lawyer to help you navigate this process can be helpful in ensuring that you are getting the most favorable income possible. An experienced lawyer may also be able to help you ensure your children’s well-being is protected.

At the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, we have extensive experience in handling both legal separation and divorce cases. Family lawyer Richard Shum and our team of experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing the best possible representation for our clients in New York City. Our firm’s profile and reputation speak for themselves, and we have received numerous positive reviews from satisfied clients.

Our team of NYC divorce lawyers understands the importance of keeping the divorce process as harmonious as possible. We will work hard to make sure that our clients feel heard and protected. We will strive to ensure that your best interests are taken into consideration.

Contact us today at (646) 259-3416 to schedule a free consultation.

“Most kind and professional lawyer. A true gift. He saved me from the brutal claw of my management company and saved me a lot of money and pain.”

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