In the case of Hopkins v. AT&T Global Information Solutions Co., the U.S. District Court ruled on cross-motions for summary judgment. The main issue in this matter was regarding the award of surviving spouse benefits to a former spouse rather than a current spouse. Continue reading →
May is National Pet Month, when we celebrate the special role pets play in our families and in our hearts. Continue reading →
Mother’s Day is supposed to be a time of celebration and connection when we honor the women who brought us into this world and raised us. But for mothers in the midst of a custody dispute, enjoying the holiday can be much more complicated both emotionally and logistically. Whether you’re navigating a new custody arrangement or involved in ongoing litigation, there are still ways to make the holiday special and avoid adding undue emotional stress. Continue reading →
Which filing status is the best option for you on your federal income tax return this year? More than one may apply, such as deciding with your spouse whether to file jointly or separately, but if you plan on filing as head of household, you must be sure you meet the requirements. Continue reading →
Members of some religious groups can submit a request to be exempt from the Social Security tax, but this choice may limit the tax credits you can claim on your federal return. For example, in order to claim a child tax credit, your child must have a Social Security number. A child who has an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) will not qualify. Continue reading →
The income of each spouse is the most significant factor when calculating alimony obligations, but there are many factors that can complicate spousal support figures. Continue reading →
Spring break is an opportunity to spend quality time with your kids as they enjoy a break from the grind of school. Some families plan vacations or extravagant activities, but for those going through a custody dispute, finding fun things to do can be tricky. From monetary concerns to temporary travel restrictions, you may need to get a bit creative with the activities you plan this year. The good news is we’ve created this list of some great spring break ideas as you go through a custody dispute to make this holiday one of the best ones yet. Continue reading →
Equitable distribution in divorce proceedings sometimes includes provisions that one spouse shall keep property in exchange for a lump sum payment to the other spouse. The payor spouse may want to deduct these payments from their taxes, especially when they total large amounts. While alimony payments are generally tax-deductible, not all payments made from one ex-spouse to another are considered alimony for tax purposes. Continue reading →
Tax season for the 2024 tax year will come to a close for most people in the next month. Filers who make regular support payments to ex-spouses or children may wonder whether these payments are deductible on their federal taxes. Alimony is typically deductible while child support is not, but the process can be complicated, as the case of Rojas v. Commissioner shows. Continue reading →
For unmarried parents, deciding which parent claims the child on their taxes is a common discussion point around the beginning of each year. Some divorce decrees or custody orders include stipulations for which parent can claim the child, but this is not always the case. If you do not have a court-ordered agreement, determining who qualifies for the earned income tax credit is crucial to ensure compliance with federal law. Continue reading →
North Carolina Divorce Lawyers Blog