Who Claims Tax Deductions For The Children

Ellen Wanamaker

Question: Which parent claims the tax deduction for the children on their return? Answer: Dependent tax deduction for the children generally default to the parent who has primary custody. Even with shared custody, one of the parents has the children in their home more than the other. During a separation, there may not yet be a formal agreement on this issue. In that case, by counting these overnights on the schedule you can determine who actually had more overnights. The exemption also depends upon who pays more than 50% of the child’s living expenses. Even if you are receiving support, which is usually called Pendente Lite (during the penancy of… Read More

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Ins and Outs of Staying Married for the Kids

Ellen Wanamaker

So the love light has gone out. For whatever the reason you and your spouse are going in different directions. But you’re doing that while you’re staying together. Why? You’re staying married for the kids is a common answer. While you think this is a noble deed and you’re putting you kids first, you’re actually not doing them any favors. You may be making them just plain miserable. If this is where you are, take a good hard look at your children and see what they’re really going through. Don’t keep them in the middle. Before going any further, please understand that I would never attempt to influence anyone to… Read More

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