December 31, 2014
Change is never easy, and it is especially difficult to change your way of life after many years of marriage. Often when we have a major life change such as a wedding, the birth of a child, or the loss of a loved one, we all wish we could have done more to prepare. Preparing for a divorce is no different. Many who have finalized a divorce decree are left with the “now what” feeling when not prepared. Read on to learn the 8 critical steps to take when preparing for divorce.
READ MORE >>December 16, 2014
Moving for a job can be difficult and often hard on your family. When you are looking for work during a divorce or immediately after a divorce and need to move away it can be even more of a challenge. Did you know that if you move during the divorce process a judge might find in favor of your spouse when the question of child custody comes up? Many courts view moves during divorce proceedings to be against the best interests of the child. It is up to the parent seeking custody to provide a strong case to the court that the move won’t disrupt the life of the child. Examine a few of the following factors when you consider relocation if child custody is at stake.
READ MORE >>December 10, 2014
Taxes can be daunting, no matter the situation. Some spouses file joint tax returns and have never had a need to review investments or other tax concerns with the other spouse. However if you find yourself newly divorced and preparing your tax returns individually, there are a few things you should note. Whether it is the filing status, allowable deductions, or who gets to claim children of the marriage as dependents, filing individually can be a real challenge. Rather than go through this process alone, work with an experienced Columbus, Ohio divorce lawyer so you understand the future tax implications of your divorce settlement. Below you will find useful tips to help you navigate the newly available benefits of filing as a divorcee.
Receiving a divorce decree that mandates spousal support payments may feel like punishment, but the tax code has built in some protection for those ordered to pay. If you are paying spousal support to your former spouse, the payments are made in pretax dollars, meaning you deduct the amount you pay in alimony before you calculate your adjusted gross income (AGI). However if you are receiving spousal support, that is treated as income and is part of your tax liability. This is something to consider if you are finalizing your divorce decree. Will the receipt of spousal support be sufficient to offset any tax liability that you will have for the receipt of the funds?
READ MORE >>December 5, 2014
Property division could turn an otherwise amicable divorce into a contentious fight for marital assets. Likewise, the allocation of debt could cause additional stress and could lead to additional strain on the relationship. During these difficult times, it is important to find the balance when seeking a settlement with your spouse, lest the courts become involved and divide all property and debts. Amicable division or property and debts is always best, because when the court gets involved everything is generally split 50/50, which may not be fair to each spouse. Finding the right attorney to help is crucial so you can come to a fair division or property and debt in divorce.
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July 28, 2014
Edward F. Whipps & Associates is excited to announce that on August 1, 2014, we will have a new and…
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