New York, NY - Richard Roman Shum, Esq., a leading attorney at The Law Office of Richard Roman Shum (https://www.romanshum.com/forensic-accounting-in-divorce/), presents a focused initiative on the role of forensic accounting in contested matrimonial matters. The program underscores how disciplined financial analysis supports fair outcomes in property distribution and supports disputes, particularly when hidden assets are suspected. The initiative aligns with New York’s statutory framework and centers on practical methods that a Manhattan divorce lawyer can deploy to surface undisclosed income, trace transfers, and clarify the true scope of the marital estate.
New guidelines for the firm’s litigation workflow emphasize early engagement with credentialed forensic accountants, coordinated discovery, and rigorous review of mandatory disclosures. In New York, the court relies on full and accurate financial information to apply equitable distribution. A Manhattan divorce lawyer working in tandem with financial investigators can evaluate bank and brokerage statements, business books, tax returns, and digital records to identify patterns that contradict reported income or asset lists. The approach includes lifestyle analysis, indirect income calculations, and tracing of funds through layered accounts to distinguish marital and separate property.
The initiative also details how forensic accounting integrates with compulsory disclosure under Domestic Relations Law §236 and the Uniform Rules. Parties exchange a sworn Statement of Net Worth with supporting documentation that commonly includes recent federal and state tax returns with W-2, 1099, and K-1 forms, current pay stubs, and three years of account statements, subject to court direction. When documents reveal inconsistencies, the litigation team pursues targeted subpoenas, business valuations, and, when appropriate, blockchain tracing for digital assets. A Manhattan divorce lawyer can then present clear, comprehensible findings to the court, supporting equitable distribution and accurate maintenance or child support determinations.
The firm notes that concealment efforts often appear through sudden password changes, redirected statements, atypical cash withdrawals, undocumented “loan” repayments, or delayed business receivables. In owner-operated enterprises, red flags may include unexplained revenue dips or inflated expenses. Forensic methods address each scenario with document analytics, public-record searches for real property or corporate affiliations, and structured interviews that reconcile financial narratives with transactional data. When misconduct surfaces, courts may impose meaningful remedies, including awarding the undisclosed asset’s value to the innocent spouse, shifting attorney and professional fees, adjusting the distribution in favor of the non-offending party, and imposing sanctions. In serious cases, false statements on sworn filings can support contempt findings or criminal exposure for perjury.
By formalizing these practices, the initiative seeks to advance transparency and reliable results in contested matters citywide. A Manhattan divorce lawyer applying this protocol can streamline discovery, reduce disputes over incomplete records, and present financial evidence in a format that assists judicial decision-making. The focus remains on factual clarity, timely enforcement of disclosure obligations, and remedies that protect the integrity of New York’s equitable distribution framework.
About The Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq.:
The Law Office of Richard Roman Shum is a New York-based matrimonial and family law practice serving clients throughout Manhattan and the greater New York City area. The firm handles divorce, equitable distribution of marital assets, spousal maintenance, child custody and visitation, child support, and related post-judgment proceedings. The team collaborates with financial and valuation professionals on matters involving businesses, investment portfolios, and digital assets to present accurate, court-ready analyses.
For consultations, contact (646) 259-3416 or visit the firm’s website to schedule a confidential case evaluation.
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Email: richard@romanshum.com
Website: https://www.romanshum.com/
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Company Name: Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq PLLC
Contact Person: Richard Roman Shum
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Phone: (646) 259-3416
Address:20 Clinton St FRNT 5D
City: New York
State: New York 10002
Country: United States
Website: https://www.romanshum.com/
