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Manhattan High Asset Divorce Lawyer
Last Updated on: 29th March 2025, 02:13 pm
MANHATTAN HIGH ASSET DIVORCE
If you’re going through a high asset divorce in Manhattan, you need to understand the stakes. A divorce that involves extensive property and financial holdings may expose you to serious legal risks if you’re not honest and careful. We are Spodek Law Group, a nationwide federal defense law firm created by Todd Spodek, and we have over 50 years of combined experience dealing with complex legal matters.
Why does honesty matter? If your spouse hides income or assets, he or she can face legal penalties. That means you could lose property rights, face contempt of court, or even risk criminal charges like fraud. Evidence that was altered may be suppressed or completely thrown out, which means you could be left with little defense at trial.
ASSETS THAT WERE ACQUIRED DURING MARRIAGE
Assets that were acquired during marriage fall under “marital property” in New York. This means they are subject to equal distribution, which is a legal concept that requires a fair division of property. If you attempt to transfer these assets in secret, you might be accused of fraudulent conveyance. That could lead to severe penalties, including restitution to your spouse or further scrutiny of your finances by the court.
COULD YOU FACE CRIMINAL LIABILITY?
When people think of divorce, they don’t always think of criminal charges. But, if you suspect your spouse who lies under oath, or omits financial information on official documents, might be charged with perjury under New York Penal Law. This means you could face potential jail time. In some cases, you could also be accused of money laundering if your transactions are suspicious. That might trigger a federal investigation that was initiated by agencies who focus on financial crimes, such as the IRS.
WHAT IF YOU HIDE ASSETS?
Hiding assets can lead to contempt of court findings, which can mean hefty fines or imprisonment. There are also judges who view asset concealment as a direct attack on justice, and they punish it aggressively. You don’t want to end up with a permanent record that could damage your ability to find work, maintain financial stability, or preserve your reputation.
STRATEGIES THAT WE MAY USE TO DEFEND YOU
We are going to be honest here: You have to be transparent with your legal team. A spouse who was forthcoming about every bank account, real estate holding, and stock portfolio puts the defense in a strong position. That means we can argue there was no intent to deceive, and it might help us fight allegations of fraud or perjury from the judge.
- Careful Financial Review: Our attorneys who were trained in forensic accounting can study your finances for you and help you understand, which means we can spot inaccuracies or inconsistencies and address them before they become bigger problems.
- Protective Orders: We can request protective orders that were designed to shield certain private information, which might reduce the chance of a fishing expedition by opposing counsel.
- Good Faith Negotiations: In some cases, we negotiate out-of-court settlements that were designed to protect your interests and avoid public trials, which can damage your professional reputation.
WHAT THE LAW SAYS ABOUT HIGH ASSET DIVORCE
New York Domestic Relations Law, which you can read on the official New York Courts website, discusses how property is split in a divorce. Judges consider factors that include the length of the marriage, the health of both spouses, and each person’s contributions. That means one spouse who was financially dependent can receive a larger share of marital assets. A spouse who was the primary breadwinner might need a strategy if the other spouse demands extensive maintenance (alimony).
Warning: If you fail to comply with court orders about asset info, you could face sanctions or even lose your right to contest certain claims. That means you might lose out on favorable custody terms or beneficial spousal support arrangements.
MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES
Some spouses who are supporting children will want to resolve the matter quickly to reduce strain on the family. Others who are worried about their careers might aim to protect their reputations by avoiding a courtroom showdown. We realize each approach has pros and cons. A swift settlement that was done with honesty can protect your privacy. A hard-fought trial might win you a more favorable financial outcome but can drain resources and reveal personal information.
We are here to call out your blind spots. If you’re fixated on “winning at all costs,” you could ignore the psychological damage that an ugly divorce inflicts on children. If you’re too timid, you might give up property that you have a right to claim. You have to push yourself to think logically, step by step, about what truly matters.
WE DON’T TOLERATE EXCUSES
A party who decides to ignore important court dates, or fails to provide mandatory documents, can sabotage their own case. That means you might end up paying more in legal fees and losing leverage in negotiations. If you are too slow to act, you might let the other side control the story. We don’t accept these excuses, and we will hold you accountable for providing the documents we need.
HIGHER STANDARDS, BETTER OUTCOMES
As a nationwide federal defense law firm, we’re used to intense cases. We know how to handle disputes that involve significant money, property, and even accusations of criminal conduct. We also know that speed and honesty matter when large stakes are on the line. Our job is to protect you, but you have to give us all the information we require. You cannot hide anything if you expect to avoid the penalties that often come with perjury or fraud. That means full transparency from day one.
HOW TO MOVE FORWARD
We encourage you to visit the NYC Family Court website if you have questions about basic procedures or forms. If you’re in a contested divorce, you should contact us immediately so we can start building a strategy that was designed to address your unique goals and challenges. We are available 24/7 for a risk-free consultation, and we will be straightforward about your options from the beginning.
DISCLAIMER
Information that was shared in this article is for general educational purposes and does not create an attorney-client relationship. No one should rely on this article as legal advice. Every case is different, and you should consult an attorney who is licensed in your state before making decisions that can affect your legal rights. We disclaim all liability for actions taken based on the content of this page.
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