CO-PARENTING TIPS FOR DIVORCED PARENTS

Co-parenting amicably with your ex can give your children stability and close relationships with both parents—but it's rarely easy. Putting aside relationship issues to co-parent agreeably can be fraught with stress. Despite the many challenges, though, it is possible to develop a cordial working relationship with your ex for the sake of your children. With these tips, you can remain calm, stay consistent, and avoid or resolve conflict with your ex and make joint custody work.
To continue viewing this article by Jocelyn Block, M.A. and Melinda Smith, M.A. please click below:
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/family-divorce/co-parenting-tips-for-divorced-parents.htm
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

HELPING KIDS COPE WITH SEPARATION AND DIVORCE

For children, divorce can be stressful, sad, and confusing. At any age, kids may feel uncertain or angry at the prospect of mom and dad splitting up. As a parent, you can make the process and its effects less painful for your children. Helping your kids cope with divorce means providing stability in your home and attending to your children's needs with a reassuring, positive attitude. It won't be a seamless process, but these tips can help your children cope.
To continue viewing this article on Help Guide please click below:
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/family-divorce/children-and-divorce.htm#stability
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

SURVIVING DIVORCE AFTER 40

What’s the difference between divorce for women under and over forty? 
Well, I now think forty is young since I’m over sixty, but once you’re over forty or forty-five some of the possibilities younger women take for granted dry up.   Yes, there available men, but they’re a lot fewer and further between.   Older women have to deal with age discrimination when it comes to jobs, especially if they’ve been home taking care of the kids and don’t have a career.   This is particularly a problem for women over fifty.   It’s harder to lose your dream of a family when you’re over forty, because you may not remarry and you’re not going to have more children.
To continue viewing this article by Erica Manfred please click below:
 http://www.divorce360.com/divorce-articles/after-divorce/general/surviving-divorce-after-40.aspx?artid=1650
 For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

SIGNING UP FOR A PRENUP

OK, let's clear this up right now. A prenuptial agreement does not mean that a couple is expecting their relationship to end in divorce.
But if it does, a prenup can prove valuable. And for folks who are getting remarried, the document has some particular advantages.
  Despite the hope that couples learn from earlier mistakes, data from the Department of Health and Human Services' National Survey of Family Growth show that 15 percent of remarriages end in three years, 25 percent are over in five years. Other studies put the remarriage failure rate substantially higher (60-to-70 percent), especially when stepchildren are involved.
To continue viewing this article by Kay Bell please click below:
http://www.divorce360.com/divorce-articles/law/advice/signing-up-for-a-prenup.aspx?artid=167
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

EX ETIQUETTE

Q. I love my in-laws. I divorced their son, not them, and they're still my kids' grandparents. What's the best way to maintain my relationship with them?
A. Your children are very lucky that you feel this way. You're right that the kids need to stay close to their grandparents. But of course your relationship with your in-laws must change. The first thing to remember is to shield them, as you do your children, from any anger you may have toward their son.
To continue viewing this column on Family Circle please click below:
http://www.familycircle.com/family-fun/relationships/ex-etiquette/
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

SINGLE AND HAPPY

Saying goodbye to your children, even for a few days, is hard for any mom. It will take a while for you to accept that your kids are fine without you. Great weekends also require planning, especially for people who are divorced. Make a list of 10 things you'd like to do — including fun stuff, tasks you can't get done with the kids around, and helping others — and try to follow through on at least three things every weekend the kids are away. Get yourself on a schedule of well-being and stick with it until the good times catch up with you.
To continue viewing this column by Judith Sills, Ph.D., click below:
http://www.familycircle.com/family-fun/relationships/single-parent-happy/
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

COURT ALLOWS WOMAN TO DIVORCE HUSBAND VIA FACEBOOK

A New York woman can divorce her husband using Facebook as a last resort, according to a recent court ruling.
Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Matthew Cooper ruled that Ellanora Baidoo can send a divorce summons to her hard-to-reach-husband, Victor Sena Blood-Dzraku, by having her attorney send private Facebook messages to him, Cooper wrote in his court decision on March 27.
To continue viewing this article by Lori Grisham please click below:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/04/07/facebook-divorce-file-biadoo/25400469/
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --

SOCIAL SECURITY CLAIMING STRATEGY

Q: I have a question about my eligibility for my ex-husband's Social Security. I am turning 62 this year, but I don’t plan to claim my Social Security benefits just yet. I am still working and making more than $100,000 per year. My ex-husband, from a 20-year marriage, is 67 and taking his retirement benefits. Am I eligible to receive some of his benefits?
To continue viewing this article by Robert Powell, please click below:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/powell/2015/07/24/social-security-claiming-strategy-divorced-working-woman/30486509/
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

AMICABLY MAINTAINING CUSTODY AGREEMENTS

Q. My ex-husband and I have a fairly decent relationship, but he never seems to follow the "rules" of our custody agreement. He's constantly late picking up our 5-year-old son, and he often asks to switch weekends with me. Honestly, most of my problems with him have to do with scheduling, which seems minor in the scheme of things. He is a good and kind father, so I don't want to escalate this into a war. But I really want him to get his act together. What should I do?
To continue viewing this column by Jan Faull, MEd, please click below:
http://www.parents.com/parenting/divorce/coping/amicably-maintaining-custody-agreements/
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --

DATING DURING DIVORCE

Just when you thought you'd never date again, you feel that magical spark. But the divorce isn't final. Here's what parents who date during a divorce need to know. Plus: Keeping the kids top of mind through the process of rediscovering yourself.
To continue viewing this article on parents.com please click below:
http://www.parents.com/parenting/divorce/dating/
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --

EASING THE PAIN OF DIVORCE

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost half of all marriages end in divorce, and one-third of all breakups occur within the first five years of marriage, the time when most couples start families. Despite its prevalence, divorce is still extremely painful, even for babies and toddlers. They may not see one parent as much as they used to. They may lose their usual routine. And there may be new people in their lives to whom they must adjust, such as a new caregiver or love interest for Mom or Dad. Find out how divorce affects little ones and what you can do to minimize your child's anxiety.
To continue viewing this article by Cynthia Hanson please click below:
http://www.parents.com/parenting/divorce/coping/easing-pain-of-divorce/
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

HOW TO HAVE QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR KIDS

Being a divorced mom is hard for reasons different than some people might think. A widowed friend recently shared on her blog that she was jealous of divorced moms that had every other weekend free from kids. Granted, she was thinking in terms of having free time to cultivate a new relationship. But when I read it, I felt such sadness because I can’t stand missing things in my kid’s lives when they’re not with me on those weekends they spend with their father. When my kids were babies, I was overwhelmed with the 24/7 care, lack of sleep, and everybody always needing something from me. I couldn’t wait for an excuse to escape. Yes, a trip to the dentist was like a spa day to me.
To continue viewing this article from Life 360 please click below:
https://www.life360.com/blog/how-to-have-quality-time-with-the-kids/
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --

MAYBE YOU DON'T WANT TO STAY MARRIED, BUT THERE IS A WAY TO MAKE THE BREAKUP AS PAINLESS AS POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE

Collaborative Divorce

When my ex and I decided that our marriage was truly and totally over, we vowed that we'd have the best possible divorce. After all, we'd spent half of our lives together and had a young daughter, family, and friends in common. We started out talking in a mediator's office, which was going well — until we hit a bump and flew into opposing corners, our attorneys doing battle.

To continue viewing this article by Annie Finnigan please click below:
http://www.familycircle.com/family-fun/relationships/collaborative-divorce-benefits/

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --

SINGLE AND HAPPY

Q. Newly divorced, I'm finding it hard to take advantage of my "free" time, when my kids are with my ex. How can I enjoy it more?

A. Saying goodbye to your children, even for a few days, is hard for any mom. It will take a while for you to accept that your kids are fine without you. Great weekends also require planning, especially for people who are divorced. Make a list of 10 things you'd like to do — including fun stuff, tasks you can't get done with the kids around, and helping others — and try to follow through on at least three things every weekend the kids are away. Get yourself on a schedule of well-being and stick with it until the good times catch up with you.

To continue viewing this interview by Judith Sills, Ph.D., please click the link below:
http://www.familycircle.com/family-fun/relationships/single-parent-happy/

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

SOMETIMES SEPARATION IS NECESSARY, EVEN THE POPE SAYS SO

Lately, I've been surrounded by weddings. First my daughter's, then a good friend's daughter's, then my god-daughter's -- all in the span of 4 weeks. Each was a beautiful celebration of the bittersweet passing of the torch between generations. And the blissful, hopeful, adoring looks on the newly-weds' faces made me believe again, though cautiously, in love and marriage.
Yet, with the wisdom of years now behind me, I know life is messy, full of surprises-- and sometimes more like a soap opera. According to friends who'd witnessed it, I too was blissful on my wedding day. However, thanks to what many would call "extenuating circumstances," I divorced years ago from a situation resulting in an annulment by the Catholic Church. It was, and occasionally still is, painful, especially when I'm around "intact" families.
To continue viewing this article by Sharon Zarozny please click below:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharon-zarozny/sometimes-separation-is-n_b_7758936.html
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

BLAKE SHELTON AND MIRANDA LAMBERT DIVORCING

The couple filed divorce docs a while ago, and a judge is expected to officially end their 4 year marriage today. We're told Blake is the one who filed.
We're also told all the financial arrangements have been worked out ... made easy by the fact that they have a prenup.  The divorce was filed in Oklahoma.
Our sources say he will get the ranch in Oklahoma and she'll get the family home in Nashville.  Our sources say Miranda has been moving her show animals -- horses, a camel and a llama -- off the ranch in the last few days.
To continue viewing this article please click below:
Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2015/07/20/blake-shelton-miranda-lambert-divorce/#ixzz3gZE158cG
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY PROPERTY LAW IN CA?

The state of California considers any property acquired during a valid marriage by a husband or wife community property. Sections 760 and 771 of the California Family Code outline the state law pertaining to community property. During a divorce proceeding, a judge will equitably divide community property based on possession, the wage earnings of both parties and the length of the couple’s marriage. Unless a couple signs a prenuptial agreement, California community property law only applies if the couple divorces in the state.
To continue viewing this article by Tricia Chaves please click below:
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/community-property-law-california-6860.html
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

HOW TO DIVIDE PROPERTY IN A DIVORCE

When Rick Buchler and his wife split up two years ago, they decided she would remain in their house near Stockton, Calif., and he would leave.
The couple had no children, and Buchler's wife, a pediatrician, wanted to stay in the marital four-bedroom home with an in-ground pool since she could manage the mortgage payments.

"The divorce settlement said specifically that I am no longer liable for the home," Buchler says.  His bank didn't see it the same way.

To continue viewing this article by Geoff Williams please click below:

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-10-07/news/sns-rt-us-divorce-realestate-20131007_1_divorce-one-person-couples

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

THIS DIVORCE ARRANGEMENT STRESSES KIDS OUT MOST

Regarding the wellbeing of kids with divorced parents, the debate over what kind of custody arrangement is best rages on. But a new study, published Monday in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, suggests that children fare better when they spend time living with both of their parents.
To continue viewing this article by Mandy Oaklander please click below:
http://time.com/3836627/divorced-parents-joint-custody/
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --

COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE

Collaborative divorce law can be defined as a family law process wherein the two parties agree to avoid court proceedings and avoid any threats of litigation. The parties attempt to reach a fair settlement by way of a series of meetings, including each party and their lawyer.
Early participation by attorneys allows the participants and their attorneys to use the more positive and effective aspects of good lawyering not often seen in proceedings involving litigation, court intervention and even mediation, such as: Critical and rational analysis; creative and thoughtful problem solving; generating multiple options for settlement; maintaining a positive and cooperative environment for settlement, and building a foundation for co-parenting, financial security and positive future interactions.

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --

PREMARITAL AGREEMENTS

When people get married, California law imposes on them numerous responsibilities and obligations, including community property rights and support rights. A prenuptial or premarital agreement is designed to allow both spouses to protect their separate property more than what is provided under the Family Code. Prenuptial agreements allow for both spouses to protect themselves from the other's debts, occurring prior to, during, or after the marriage. Pre-nuptial agreements may also signify that both parties agree that all debts, assets and property will automatically become shared from the date of marriage onwards, gradually as the marriage progresses over the years, or not at all.
With a prenuptial agreement, parties can ensure that property, wages, and assets they wish to maintain separately are kept separate after the date of marriage.
Some premarital agreements provide that all earnings during marriage retain a separate property character.
You should not agree to enter into a premarital agreement until:
1. You have had an opportunity to read and fully understand its contents;
2. You have consulted with an attorney who specializes in Family Law to find out whether the premarital agreement is appropriate for you; and
3. You have had adequate time to think about it.
A premarital agreement is a very serious matter with legal consequences that you may not agree with in the event of a dissolution. You should not sign the agreement if you are not fully agreeable to its contents. A couple should not make attempts at writing their own premarital agreement; both parties should seek attorneys who are fully competent and familiar with laws relating to premarital agreements.

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --

THE TRAUMA OF DIVORCE, WHO ARE YOU NOW?

When you think of “trauma” you may easily imagine Big T experiences: serious accidents, natural disasters, assault, or life-threatening illnesses. These kinds of events obviously and in a very public way transform the bedrock of who you are and how you live. Other incidents can be equally life altering in a very private realm. Divorce is one of them.
When the life and world you have constructed fall apart due to a breakup (amicable or not), the way you see the world and your place in it changes. Accepting and evolving into the new person this requires can be traumatic as you give up a lifestyle, home, family, financial security, love, and dreams. To manage the shock of the change, you might find yourself letting go of activities you once enjoyed and implementing coping mechanisms geared toward reducing emotional pain, fear of the future, and a sense of loneliness and uncertainty that shadows every moment.
To continue viewing this article by Michele Rosenthal please click below:
http://www.divorcemag.com/articles/the-trauma-of-divorce-who-are-you-now
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

RELOCATION AND CO-PARENTING AFTER DIVORCE

The question of relocation after parental divorce is difficult and complex. However, parenting plans that both accommodate parental relocation and maintain the same proportion of responsibility exercised by each parent before and after relocation, are possible – although extremely challenging.
Equal or shared parenting can be made to work when parents live some distance apart, particularly with older children. At the same time, in the interests of stability and continuity in children’s lives, relocation should be undertaken only after careful consideration in regard to the impact such a move will have on children, and on their relationships with both parents. It is no surprise that research indicates that children of divorce fare better if their parents remain in the same local area.
To continue viewing this article by Edward Kruk, Ph.D. please click below:
http://www.divorcemag.com/articles/relocation-and-co-parenting

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

NESTING PLANS FOR CHILD CUSTODY

For many divorcing couples, keeping the children in the marital home is top priority. And with good reason.
For some, the marital home may be the only home they've ever known. And depending on the age of your children, change may not be something they're excited about.
So as responsible parents you feel that keeping them in the home will provide some stability during this time of intense transition. So you thought setting up a nesting plan may be the way to go. But before you decide, allow us to share some pros and cons about this relatively new phenomenon regarding co-parenting children post-divorce in this two-part series on the topic.
To continue viewing this article by Joseph Dillon please click below:
http://www.divorcesource.com/ds/illinois/nesting-plans-for-child-custody-5142.shtml
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

THE MYTH ABOUT UNHAPPY CHILDREN WITH DIVORCED PARENTS

There is a myth that children of divorced couples are not happy people as adults and often do not do as well in relationships as opposed to those who grew up in a home with two loving parents. While this is true with some children, the outcome depends on why the parents were divorced in the first place as well as if one or both parents went on to become happy in future relationships or marriages. The truth is that children of parents who are divorced can be sad or depressed, just like children of parents who stay together for the kids; it all depends on the child and how they adapt to their surroundings.
To continue viewing this article from the Divorce Source please click:
http://www.divorcesource.com/ds/california/the-myth-about-unhappy-children-with-divorced-parents-4948.shtml
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

DO's and DONT's OF DIVORCE FOR PARENTS

Divorce is a very complex occurrence that takes place within the family. This article will not attempt to cover all of the many nuances and intricacies involved in dealing with children who are experiencing a divorce. There are therapists who deal specifically with divorces as well as many books written on the effects of divorce on children and on parents. Many towns have programs committed to working with children of divorced families, which can be very effective in helping kids come to terms with what’s going on. All of these options should be considered. I hope this article will offer some useful ideas, but I want to stress the fact that it is not meant as a substitute for a broader understanding of divorce and its effect on parents and children.
To continue viewing this article by James Lehman, MSW please click:
http://www.empoweringparents.com/Dos-and-Donts-of-Divorce-for-Parents.php#ixzz3fLe7Adqc
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

PARENTING AFTER DIVORCE

Whether you are recently divorced or have been for some time, don’t be anxious that you have ruined your child’s life. You haven’t. While divorce can be a big part of your child’s life, what will determine his ultimate quality of life is still in the hands of each parent. Can children be affected negatively by their parent’s divorce? Most certainly. But it’s important to understand that children are not necessarily doomed to be negatively impacted.
To continue viewing this article by Debbie Pincus MS LMHC please click:
http://www.empoweringparents.com/parenting-after-divorce-9-ways-to-parent-on-your-own-terms.php#ixzz3fLdTsP9E
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --

DIVORCE, WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS?

When Avra Kutcher’s parents separated, she felt a sense of relief. Though she was just 7 years old at the time, she knew that her parents “were always fighting, so, even at that young age, I figured it would be better for them to be apart,” says Kutcher, now a 24-year-old graduate student who still splits her time between her parents’ homes in White Plains and Dobbs Ferry, respectively. “And they did have an amicable divorce, so things did get better.”
That doesn’t mean her parents’ divorce didn’t have an effect on Kutcher. As she and her younger sister divided their time between two homes, her parents, especially her mom, would feel awful when the children would leave to go spend time at the other parent's house. “It has definitely affected my decision-making, because I always want to try to make everyone happy.”
To continue viewing this article by Linda Diproperzio please click below:
http://www.westchestermagazine.com/Westchester-Magazine/February-2015/Divorce-What-About-The-Kids/
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --

TO A FRIEND ON HIS DIVORCE

YOU were 7 and I was 6 when we met near the jungle gym. After becoming bandmates in high school and enjoying a brief twinkle of local stardom, we became men and did man things, one of which was each finding someone we loved enough to marry. I have proof that both of us were happy then. The photos from our weddings show us laughing, smiling, greeting friends and relatives, eating cake, smoking cigars and dancing.

To continue viewing this article by Josh Max please click below:
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/opinion/sunday/to-a-friend-on-his-divorce.html?_r=0

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --

WHAT IT'S LIKE TO DATE AFTER DIVORCE IN THREE WORDS

If you're getting back into the dating scene after a divorce, you're no doubt realizing that things have changed quite a bit since you were last single. (Tinder and ghosting and what to wear -- oh my!)
You're not the only one who's a bit befuddled by the whole process. We recently asked HuffPost Divorce readers to sum up their post-divorce dating experience in just three words. The general consensus? It can drive you crazy but once you meet someone you connect with, it's ultimately worth the effort.
To continue this article by Brittany Wong, please click below:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/06/what-its-like-to-date-after-divorce-_n_7737846.html
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

WHAT WE CAN LEARN ABOUT PRENUPS FROM THE BEN AFFLECK-JENNIFER GARNER DIVORCE

Earlier this week, the world learned that beloved Hollywood couple Jennifer Garner, 43, and Ben Affleck, 42, have decided to split—ten years and one day after their wedding. If you read the tabloids, you’ll know the breakup has been coming for awhile. Indeed, the couple has been separated for months, and it seems clear that the timing of the divorce filing, initiated by Garner, was not a coincidence.

To continue viewing this article by Laura J. Vogel please click below:
http://fortune.com/2015/07/04/affleck-garner-divorce-prenups/

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

4 BEHAVIORS CAN PREDICT DIVORCE

Ever been in the middle of a heated argument when suddenly the other person pulls out their phone and starts texting?
If the answer is yes, and if you find it happening constantly, we hope that person isn't your significant other.
This behavior, known as stonewalling, is one of four reactions that John Gottman, a psychologist at the University of Washington and the founder of the Gottman Institute, has identified as a telltale sign that all is not well with a married couple.
To continue viewing this article by Erin Brodwin please click below:
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/4-behaviors-can-predict-divorce-2015-1#ixzz3egiqoN7g
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --

8 THINGS SINGLE MOMS AND DADS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TAXES

Unmarried parents face a unique set of concerns in life, and that includes taxes Before filing, consider these federal tax considerations:

• Head of household status. If you were unmarried on Dec. 31, 2014, earn at least 50 percent of your household income and your kids live with you for 6 months of the year or more total, file as head of household. This usually affords you a lower tax rate and higher deductions.
• Determine who you can claim as a dependent. This determines whither you can take any number of other credits and deductions. This is usually stipulated in a separation or divorce agreement, and the parent who would normally claim the child can agree to sign a waiver allowing a non-custodial parent to make the claim. You cannot split this deduction for a single child, but some parents agree to take turns claiming children on alternate years, or if there are two or more children, agreeing that each parent can claim one of the kids. However, the IRS determines that a child is a dependent based on if the child lived with a parent for at least six months and was financially supported for the same time.

To continue viewing this article by Emma Johnson please click below:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/emmajohnson/2015/01/26/8-things-single-moms-and-single-dads-need-to-know-about-taxes/

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --