There are more changes to be made after child custody is decided

Many of the people in Massachusetts who are going through a divorce know that it can be an incredibly long and stressful process. Sometimes, family and friends feel the need to choose sides, which may result in more fighting and can strain the situation even more. However, there are still a number of changes to be made after all of the papers are signed. Divorced couples who have had to come to a child custody agreement still have many more things to consider after the divorce is final.

One of the first things that the newly single individuals may want to consider is their tax filing status. While they are married, couples have the option to file jointly or separately. After the divorce, each individual may file as single or head of household. There are some requirements for those wishing to file as head of household. The person must at least be considered unmarried, be responsible for more than half of the household costs, and be responsible for a dependent child or another family member.

Many divorced parents may not know that qualifying children can only be claimed by one parent. In most cases, the custodial parent is the one who claims the child as a dependent on tax forms. However, there are some cases where a non-custodial parent may claim the child. The parents must have been divorced or have lived separately for at least six months. Also, more than half of the child support due for the year must have been paid, and the custodial parent must sign an agreement stating that the non-custodial parent can claim the child when filing taxes.

Parents in Massachusetts who are considering a divorce can benefit from contacting a professional. Attorneys may be able to help parents reach a child custody agreement that best benefits their child or children while still allowing both parents to play significant roles in their children's lives. A non-custodial parent who wishes to discuss the tax exemptions for any qualifying children may also benefit from speaking with an attorney.

Source: dmagazine.com, "Divorce Doesn't Mean It's Over...Yet", Oct. 23, 2017