Henry Guberman CPA, CFE, ABV, DABFA, CDFATM

Sound, experienced competence and sensitivity are qualities to look for when seeking professional guidance as you navigate through the most traumatic experience of your life – a divorce. You may already recognize that you need a competent matrimonial attorney to represent and help you understand your rights, but have you considered who can best advise you on your current and future financial interests? A matrimonial accountant, trained to solve the complex financial puzzle often associated with divorce proceedings, may prove to be a valuable addition to your team of advisors.

Lazar Levine & Felix LLP -- together with its affiliate Lazar Lipton Valuation Services, LLC -- is a team of matrimonial accounting specialists in Manhattan providing consulting and valuation services. A divorce will often require the valuation of many assets and rights including the valuation of any business interests, stock options, degrees and licenses. In addition, these professionals will help you identify any need for income reconstruction and provide forensic accounting expertise where there may be undisclosed assets. The team also assists with the identification and quantification of separate and marital assets as well as reconstruction lifestyle expenses.

Henry Guberman, the partner in charge of the matrimonial practice, points out that his firm is often requested to assist in negotiating and structuring settlements. “We don’t just deal in histories, we deal directly with the present and future financial aspects of a divorce. Our specialists also evaluate any proposed financial settlement as experience has taught us that exploring the financial impact of accepting a settlement safeguards our client against unintended consequences to either party and underscores the importance of the forensic and valuation work the team may undertake.”

In addition to being a CPA in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, Guberman is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV), a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) with the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts and a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Accountants. His multifaceted background works to the benefit of both clients and their counsel and all efforts are supported by experienced professionals. Many of these team members are also CFEs, ABVs and CDFAs and can provide counsel as well as individuals with invaluable information concerning the financial elements related to the divorce. The firm offers a selection of unique services to attorneys including assisting counsel in preparing document requests, interrogatories, deposition exhibits and expert testimony. Team members are also frequently selected for court appointments to serve as the court's own expert or retained by attorneys as neutral experts.

“Advance preparation to make sure you know your rights, where documents are, and what assets exist is crucial,” adds Guberman.

“Our committed team of professionals derives a great deal of satisfaction from helping their matrimonial clients design specific financial goals, during, and after divorces. Through pre-divorce consultation, they can advise the client as to the wisest course of financial action from the start.”

In the divorce arena, what you don’t know financially, can hurt you. This team’s commitment and attention to detail combine to offer you results-oriented long-term planning to ensure you’re well informed and represented at trial or settlement.

To find out about their services, contact:

Lazar Lipton Valuation Services, LLC
Henry Guberman(CPA, CFE, ABV, DABFA, CDFA^TM)

350 Fifth Avenue, 68th Floor, New York, NY 10118-0170
Phone: (212) 736-1900

65 Madison Avenue, PO Box 2138, Morristown, NJ 07962
Phone: (973) 267-1414

E-mail: hguberman@lazarcpa.com
Web: www.lazarcpa.com

Henry Guberman has written the following articles:

FAQs:

• "Is there any way of structuring support payments to lower my taxes?"
• "My attorney mentioned that I would be entitled to Social Security benefits via my ex-husband's record."
• "Is it better to get one lump-sum payment or monthly spousal support?"

The firm has contributed the following case studies:

Professional Forum:

• Business Valuation Relating to Lifestyle Cost
• Modeling a Settlement Proposal