As a skilled New Jersey Divorce Lawyer, I am often asked by clients about applying for a joint tax return during a divorce. When you’re thinking about doing a joint tax return go to the tax guy first. Through my experiences married filing jointly is always the best way to go. The problem is emotions, and they can really run ramped through really good financial decisions.
If emotions are high, and you’re constantly fighting, I say to my clients, “Go to the tax person.” Then the tax person will say, “Guys, file married filing jointly. You’ll save so much money, and you’ll get a refund.” Then the clients usually respond “I’m not going to give him this or I’m not going to give her that…” Fine, if that’s the way you want to do it, married filing separate.
Try maximize what you can take out, notwithstanding how much you hate the person. If you can get $5 of a refund because you’re married filing jointly versus no refund because you’re married filing separate, then do married filing jointly.
Do you have questions about filing a joint tax return during the divorce process? If so, contact our experienced New Jersey Divorce Lawyer for more information.
This educational blog was brought to you by Christopher Leon Garibian, an experienced New Jersey Divorce Lawyer.