What are a spouse’s tax liability in a community property state?

Question: I live in a community property state. My wife and I are currently married, but will soon be divorced. She refuses to give me a copy of her financial records or cooperate at all in the process of doing our taxes. What are my options to file taxes without …

My ex-wife violated the decree and claimed our child on taxes

Question: As per our divorce decree, my ex-wife and I claim our daughter as a tax credit alternating years. Last year was my year to claim our child as a dependent, but she claimed our daughter stating it was to make up for some back child support I still owed. …

Tips to Make Your Prenup Enforceable

By JoAnne C. Holt, Divorce financial analyst Send me an e-mail or visit my website holtcpafirm.com. You survive the first divorce with about half of what you previously owned and swear you will never get married again. Then a few years go by and you’ve met another woman and have …

Are tax returns considered marital property?

Question: Are tax returns considered marital property? My wife is planning on filing her taxes and getting the tax money before our divorce is finalized, and I know she won’t give me any of the refund if she can help it.

Who gets to claim the child as a dependent for taxes?

Question: I am currently going through a divorce in which my spouse has terminated her parental rights so the child lives solely with me. If my spouse is legally no longer the child’s mother, can she claim the child for tax purposes even though I’m the custodial parent?

Tax Considerations in the Negotiation of a Divorce Settlement

By Andrea Johnson Attorney, Cordell & Cordell Many non-custodial parents believe that following a divorce, they are entitled to claim the minor children as their dependent for tax purposes so long as they are paying child support. That is absolutely not the case.

What To Know For Your Initial Consultation

By Matt Allen Editor, DadsDivorce.com Divorce is a jarring enough experience that you shouldn’t have to feel overwhelmed or unprepared when you meet with a men’s divorce lawyer for an initial consultation. The initial visit with your potential lawyer sets the tone for the divorce process. So the documents and …

How To End a Common Law Marriage & Other Problems

By Jill A. Duffy Attorney, Cordell & Cordell Note: This is Part 2 of a two-part article on common law marriages. Part 1 outlined how to know if you are in a common law marriage. If you have lived with someone as husband and wife in a state that recognizes …

Money Made Easy: Preparing for Higher Taxes

In this week’s edition of Money Made Easy, host Dan Danford answers this financial question from a viewer: With the Bush-era tax cuts possibly coming to an end, what can I do to brace and secure myself for higher taxes? Danford, MBA, CRSP of Family Investment Center, offers his financial …

Money Made Easy: Gift Tax

In this week’s edition of Money Made Easy, host Dan Danford answers this financial question from a viewer: What is the most amount you can give/receive in a year as a gift without it being taxed? I stand to inherit a $15,000 gift this year. Can it be taxed? Danford, …