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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.
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.Get in touch with
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 is 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, contact us 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.
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, Esq., 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.
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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.
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.
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 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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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 Roman Shum, Esq. 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.
Richard Shum is an experienced Manhattan divorce and family law attorney dedicated to helping individuals navigate important decisions about their finances, property, and family relationships during challenging times. As a lifelong New Yorker and father, he understands the personal and financial pressures that come with divorce and related legal matters. Richard offers straightforward, strategic guidance tailored to each client’s specific needs, working to secure positive outcomes in cases ranging from property division to child custody.
With over 15 years of experience, Richard has handled a wide range of divorce and family law cases, including those involving complex financial issues like business valuations, alimony, and asset protection. He is admitted to practice in New York state courts as well as U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York. A graduate of Suffolk Law School (J.D., 2007), Emerson College (M.A., 2004), and Washington University (B.A., 1999), Richard is known for his practical, results-driven approach to resolving even the most sensitive family law matters efficiently and effectively.
“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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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.
Our team at the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq. works diligently to help minimize the tension and create aggressive strategies when necessary to ensure that your rights are protected. Our team can handle your case with the attention and compassion it deserves. 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, Esq. today to schedule a free consultation at (646) 259-3416.
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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, Esq., our team can 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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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:
At the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq., New York divorce lawyer Richard Shum and our team can help clarify your concerns 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.
| Ground for Divorce | Definition / Explanation | Key Conditions / Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Cruel and inhuman treatment | Abuse or cruelty that makes it unsafe or improper to continue the marriage | Must prove repeated instances of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse; one isolated incident is usually not enough |
| Abandonment | One spouse leaves or refuses essential marital duties for at least one year | Actual abandonment (physically leaving for 12+ months) or constructive abandonment (refusal of marital relations) |
| Imprisonment | Divorce based on incarceration of a spouse | The prison sentence must last at least 3 consecutive years; it must begin after the marriage; divorce must be filed while spouse is in prison or within 5 years of release |
| Adultery | Extramarital sexual relations | Must be proven by testimony or evidence from someone other than the spouses; admissions alone are not enough |
| Judgment of Separation | Divorce following a legal separation | Must live apart for at least one year after signing a court-approved separation agreement or decree |
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 face high-net-worth divorces with confidence, pursuing a just and equitable outcome. Call the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq. 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:
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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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 can help and guide you in accomplishing all requirements. Speak to the experienced Manhattan attorneys at the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq. today to schedule a free consultation.
The uncontested divorce process in Manhattan follows a clear and straightforward path, making it a more efficient option for couples who are in agreement on key issues. Each step is important to move the process along without unnecessary delays. Understanding the stages involved helps ensure a smooth progression toward the finalization of the divorce.
The first step in the uncontested divorce process is preparing and filing the divorce petition. This involves completing a Summons and Verified Complaint, which must accurately state the grounds for divorce and provide details about the marriage. The petition is then filed with the appropriate New York court. At this stage, both spouses should be in agreement about pursuing an uncontested divorce, as this will streamline the entire process.
Once the divorce petition is filed, the next step is serving the divorce papers to the other spouse. This is a formal requirement under New York law, which ensures that both parties are properly informed of the legal action. The papers must be delivered within a specific time frame by an individual who is over 18 and not directly involved in the case. After the papers are served, the receiving spouse has the opportunity to respond, typically acknowledging their agreement to proceed uncontested.
The final step in the uncontested divorce process is finalizing the divorce agreement. This document outlines all of the agreed-upon terms, such as the division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements if applicable. Both spouses must review and sign the agreement before submitting it to the court for approval. Once the court finds the agreement fair and in accordance with New York law, the divorce is granted, and a judgment is issued.
Divorce can be divided into two main categories: contested and uncontested divorce. Each type has distinct legal requirements, procedures, and costs. Understanding these differences can help couples make informed decisions about their separation.
Contested divorce typically requires more legal assistance due to the various hearings, depositions, and legal procedures involved in obtaining a court decree. On the other hand, an uncontested divorce requires less legal intervention since the couple agrees on the terms and conditions, making the process smoother.
In uncontested divorce, agreements are generally considered final and binding once a judge orders a judgment of divorce. They are typically not subject to appeal, although there may be certain circumstances where an appeal or modification is permitted. In contrast, contested divorce judgments are more likely to be appealable since they are determined by a judge rather than the couple themselves.
In New York, an uncontested divorce usually takes three to six months to complete, depending on factors such as the speed of drafting a settlement agreement, the duration of mediation, and the complexity of the couple’s assets and children. On the other hand, a contested divorce can take longer due to court backlogs, ranging from nine months to a year or even more, especially if the case involves domestic violence or abuse allegations that require thorough examination and investigation.
A contested divorce is generally more expensive than uncontested divorce due to additional court and lawyer fees incurred during the process. Moreover, in contested divorce cases, one party may hire an investigator to uncover inconsistencies about their partner, such as financial irregularities or adultery, further increasing costs. On the contrary, uncontested divorce usually involves lower expenses, including document filing costs, nominal service fees for divorce papers, and court fees for certifying the judgment order.
Even in an uncontested divorce, there are key issues that need to be resolved for the divorce to move forward. When both parties are in agreement, these matters can be handled efficiently, making the process less stressful for everyone involved. The most common issues that couples address during an uncontested divorce are related to finances and family arrangements.
A central issue in any divorce is the division of marital assets and debts. In an uncontested divorce, both spouses work together to agree on how their property, bank accounts, and any debts will be split. New York follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means assets and debts are divided fairly, though not always equally. Reaching a mutual agreement in this area helps avoid prolonged disputes and allows the divorce to proceed without unnecessary delays.
Another issue a divorcing couple may need to face is property division. Asset division does not only mean dividing property, but debts and retirement savings. Hiring a skilled lawyer to help you with asset division is very important to help ensure equitable distribution of assets.
Alimony, known in New York as Maintenance, is yet another matter that a couple will have to agree on when they are dealing with an uncontested divorce. Alimony, or spousal support, does not depend on whether the couple has children, but is intended to provide financial support to the spouse who earns less.
For couples with children, establishing child custody and visitation arrangements is often a top priority. In an uncontested divorce, both parents need to agree on how custody will be shared and what the visitation schedule will look like. In New York, these decisions must be made with the best interests of the child in mind, ensuring that the child’s needs are prioritized. Clear and cooperative agreements on custody and visitation help to maintain stability for the children as the divorce process unfolds.
NYC divorce attorney Richard Roman Shum is here to help you and your spouse work through important matters like property division and spousal support during an uncontested divorce. Divorce can be a challenging time, but having someone who knows the process and the laws in New York can make things easier for you.
With years of experience handling divorce cases, Richard Roman Shum has helped many families move forward with less stress. He understands how important it is to handle these issues efficiently and fairly, so you can focus on the next chapter of your life. If you’re looking for guidance during your uncontested divorce, he’s ready to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today at (646) 259-3416 to schedule a free consultation.
DIY divorce options can seem appealing, especially in an uncontested divorce where both parties are in agreement. However, divorce and family law in New York can still present challenges that may not be immediately obvious.
Overlooking important legal details can lead to unintended consequences, such as unfavorable financial settlements or custody arrangements. Our skilled Manhattan uncontested divorce lawyer from the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq. can provide the support needed to help you avoid costly errors while guiding you through several important aspects of the process:
With the help of our attorneys, you can complete and submit the necessary paperwork accurately, reducing the likelihood of mistakes that could cause delays. Our team’s experience allows us to identify potential issues early on and help you efficiently finalize the divorce, so you can move forward without unnecessary complications.
Even uncontested divorces can face obstacles if documents are incomplete or not submitted correctly. We can help you avoid common legal pitfalls that can cause delays or require corrections. Our attorneys can handle the paperwork and procedures properly from the outset, reducing the risk of setbacks in the divorce process.
When couples agree on the terms of their divorce, it’s essential that these agreements are both fair and legally binding. Our Manhattan uncontested divorce lawyers can review the terms of your settlement, such as asset division, spousal support, and child custody arrangements, to make sure they comply with New York law and are enforceable. This helps protect your interests and provides peace of mind as you finalize the divorce.
At the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq., we’re here to help you handle the process of an uncontested divorce. Our team of Manhattan divorce attorneys works closely with clients, offering clear legal guidance and support every step of the way. We focus on helping you make confident decisions that can lead to the best possible resolution for your situation.
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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, Esq., we have extensive experience in handling both legal separation and divorce cases. Led by top-rated family lawyer Richard Shum, our team is 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 understands the importance of keeping the divorce process as harmonious as possible but provide aggressive reputation when necessary. We work diligently to make sure our clients’ goals are heard and protected throughout the legal process. We stand ready to provide quality support. Let us help you protect what matters most.
Contact us today at (646) 259-3416 to schedule a free consultation.
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