New York, NY - September 30, 2025 - The Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq. (https://www.romanshum.com/blog/how-to-recognize-if-your-spouse-is-manipulating-or-gaslighting-you/) announced a new public guidance initiative led by Manhattan divorce lawyer Richard Roman Shum to help individuals recognize and document gaslighting and related manipulation in intimate relationships. The announcement draws on recurring patterns seen in New York divorce and family law matters and outlines practical steps for safeguarding well-being, preserving evidence, and preparing for informed legal decisions.
As a Manhattan divorce lawyer, Richard Roman Shum underscores that gaslighting is a sustained pattern of psychological manipulation designed to distort a partner’s perception of reality. The initiative explains hallmark indicators such as denial of events despite evidence, blame-shifting, isolation from supportive networks, feigned concern about mental health to sow doubt, refusal to apologize, and efforts to minimize a partner’s feelings. The firm notes that these behaviors often surface alongside other control tactics and may influence disclosures, settlement discussions, and safety planning during a separation.
Mr. Shum, a Manhattan divorce lawyer, outlines early actions that can stabilize a situation: confiding in trusted professionals or support networks, creating contemporaneous records, saving digital communications, avoiding circular debates, and separating where safety requires. The guidance also addresses longer-term effects frequently reported by survivors, including anxiety, diminished self-worth, difficulty trusting judgment, and symptoms consistent with trauma, and encourages coordinated legal and therapeutic support when appropriate.
In addition, the firm provides a concise framework for documenting patterns relevant to matrimonial proceedings in New York. Suggested steps include maintaining a dated log of incidents, retaining screenshots and messages, noting witnesses where applicable, and preserving financial and parenting records that may intersect with allegations of coercive conduct. The framework emphasizes measured, fact-focused documentation that can assist counsel in evaluating strategy on issues such as temporary relief applications, parenting schedules, and equitable distribution. Manhattan divorce lawyer Richard Roman Shum also highlights available hotlines and community resources for immediate assistance and emphasizes that safety planning should precede any non-urgent conversations about reconciliation or litigation.
About Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq.:
The Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq. is a New York City family and matrimonial law firm representing clients in divorce, custody, support, and property division matters. The firm provides tailored strategies for negotiation and courtroom advocacy. Practice areas include contested and uncontested divorce, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, and asset distribution. For consultations, contact the firm at (646) 259-3416 or visit the firm’s website to request 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/
