Three common tax issues arise with children and divorce: 1. Dependent child exemption. As a general rule, the custodial parent is entitled to claim the dependency exemption. The custodial parent is defined by the IRS as the parent whom the child lived with for the greater number of nights during the year. Note – joint […]
I have seen a dramatic increase in clients inquiring about custody of their pet(s). Under Connecticut law, pets are considered property – like a house, car or other asset. Therefore, the term “pet custody” is somewhat misleading. Unlike issues concering children, the judge is not required to take into account the “best interest” of the […]
There are many issues to sort out in a divorce. When spouses disagree it is usually over children, support and money. In the process, spouses may overlook the importance of addressing common tax issues. The tax dependency exemption for qualified children is worthy of a separate blog. Here are the other top four: 1. Filing […]
A recent wrongful death lawsuit filed in Bridgeport Superior Court alleges that the founder of Stew Leonard’s grocery caused the death of a man when he operated his powerboat recklessly. According to news reports, the man was thrown around the boat and suffered both head injuries and spinal cord injuries before falling overboard. His wife […]
Florida is the latest state to consider alimony reform. The reform would limit the ability of judges to order lifetime alimony and adjust the way alimony is calculated. Connecticut lawmakers are drafting an alimony reform bill. Other states including Arkansas, North and South Carolina, Oregon and West Virginia have set up “Alimony Reform” groups to […]
In many divorce cases, the most valuable asset is the house. Therefore, it is no surprise that how to handle the house is also one the most important decisions a divorcing couple faces. There are many possibilities when it comes to property division. But whatever the decision is, this is an area of the Separation […]