Defensive Divorce

Course Description:

This course will teach participants how to apply, implement, and evaluate the strategic tax aspects of marital dissolution and living together arrangements. Current perspectives on property transfers, asset divisions, alimony, filing status, exemptions, and child support are examined with an emphasis on planning considerations. Property settlements, basis allocation, third party transfers, and purchases between spouses are explored and analyzed. Special attention is given to the division of business interests, retirement plans (including QDROs), insurance policies, and the family residence.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the requirements of filing a joint return and how to avoid being penalized.
• Clarify the requirements and effects of filing as married or unmarried.
• Key elements of filing separate returns including what items to report and discern whether or not married taxpayers should file separate returns.
• Explain the phaseout of exemptions pointing out its affects on taxpayers.
• Identify when exemptions can be taken for spouses.
• Describe reporting requirements for dependent exemptions.