Posts Categorized: Taxes

Joint Taxes Filed? Divorcing or Not…Are You Sure You Are “Innocent”?

Couples Filing Taxes Jointly Most Americans recently filed their income tax returns. Did you carefully look over the completed forms before you signed? If you plan to divorce this is especially important. When married couples file joint returns, the law holds both spouses liable for the taxes, interest and penalties – even when one spouse may not have been aware of the their spouse’s misreporting of income or expenses. In certain situations, the IRS provides an out for taxpayers. This i...   Read more ...  

How Does a Divorced Parent Claim a Child as a Dependent?

It’s tax time and if you’re divorced and were awarded the right to claim your child or children as a dependent(s) on your tax return, here’s what you need to know about filing your taxes properly. The Internal Revenue Code sets out the law about who is entitled to claim a child as a dependent and how to claim it on your tax return. Generally, the dependency exemption for children of divorced parents goes to the parent who has custody for the greater part of the calendar year. In making th...   Read more ...  

Joint Tax Filing for Illinois Civil Unions

Same-sex couples and filing taxes As more and more states are joining the civil union bandwagon, including Delaware and Hawaii, we’re beginning to see some of the perks of the new domestic partnership status here in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Revenue has recently confirmed that couples in civil unions will be able to jointly file their taxes in 2012. Although the state’s Civil Union bill took effect last June, it has remained unclear whether couples in civil unions would be able ...   Read more ...  

Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Very exciting news: After years of practice and months of preparing for exams, I’ve been accepted as a fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. The AAML was founded nearly fifty years ago to promote the highest degree of professionalism and excellence in the practice of family law in Chicago. The Academy Fellows are a select group of 1600 divorce attorneys across the nation recognized top family lawyers with a high level of knowledge,...   Read more ...