What To Know About Tax Filing Before, During, and After Your Divorce

How do I file my taxes if I am getting a divorce?  

Going through a divorce can bring tax implications that you may not be aware of until long after you finalize the proceedings. What should you expect when it comes time for your first tax filing after your divorce? Our team will review the details based on your specific divorce. Here are some details to help answer your questions.  

First and foremost, you file your taxes based on your status as of December 31st of the previous year. If you were officially divorced by December 31st of the previous year, then you are going to file on your own. If you were not divorced by the end of the year, then you have the option to file together or file separately. Each has advantages and disadvantages, which an accountant can review with you at tax time.  

Understand the Long-Term Implications That Await

Dissolving your marriage means you’ll (more than likely) no longer share marital assets with your spouse and, instead, become the sole owner of various investments or properties. When you report your income to the IRS as an unmarried individual, the taxes owed can look quite different from when you were married. 

Say you plan to stay in the home you shared with your spouse, which calls for them to receive more in retirement investments, so your division of assets remains equitable. You will be responsible for any capital gains tax when you eventually sell the home. Consult an accountant to learn about divorce and tax deductions that come with the assets you receive following a marriage. 

Navigating Filing Status Changes Amid a Divorce

Your first tax filing after your divorce may not bring immediate changes, depending on the timing. 

Remember, if you finalize your divorce in January of 2026, the IRS will recognize you as married for the 2025 tax year because your divorce was not finalized before the December 31 deadline. In this case, you could file your 2025 taxes jointly or as married filing separately.

Changes could be afoot when you have to file as a single individual. For example, you could claim head of household status if you meet the following criteria:

  • Being either single, divorced, or legally separated on the last day of the tax year
  • Paying more than half of a household’s necessary expenses throughout the year
  • Living with a dependent for at least six months

Are alimony and child support taxable income?  

The simple answer here is usually not. However, if you were divorced long ago, you may be required to still count alimony as income for tax purposes.  

Become Familiar With Alimony Tax Rules and Child Tax Credits

If you have young children, your divorce decree will name a custodial parent. The custodial parent is the person who has the children in their care for the majority of the year. This person can claim child tax credits. 

Our Divorce Attorneys Are on Your Side – Contact Us Today

Don’t approach a tax filing after your divorce without proper knowledge. Team up with Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., and let our resourceful attorneys prepare you for all aspects of a divorce. We have years of experience practicing family law and are ready to see you through this transition. 

Call (866) 261-9529 or use our online booking tool to schedule a free legal consultation.

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Post-Divorce Budget

Transitioning from a dual-income household to a single-income household after a divorce calls for accurate and detailed expense tracking. Figuring out your post-divorce budget is critical for living within your means and avoiding financial hardships. 

Our team will work with you on your post-divorce budget. This budget will serve as a guidepost for when we negotiate alimony, child support, and the division of assets and debts.  

How do you budget for your post-divorce life on a single income? Take these steps so you do not struggle financially.   

Gather Accurate Information Regarding Monthly Income and Expenses

As we prepare a strategy to negotiate, we will ask for ALL of the details of your anticipated post-divorce budget, including a detailed breakdown of your monthly income and expenses. We will use pay stubs, investment income, and any other incoming cash you receive. If you do not regularly track your expenses, then we will ask you to track receipts and go through credit card statements. Typical expenses can include:  

  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Utility costs
  • Groceries
  • Transportation
  • Existing loan payments
  • Personal care
  • Entertainment

Sometimes we talk about adjusting lifestyle expenses so you live within your means, possibly just in the short term, so you can reach your post-divorce financial goals. 

Consider Your Children’s Expenses

When you share children with your ex, the cost of caring for them becomes vital for determining alimony and budgeting properly. You and your spouse will both share financial responsibility for your children based on the number of overnights the children stay with each of you. Think about how much you spend on your children each month. These costs may include:

  • Daycare programs
  • School lunch plans
  • Extracurricular activities and hobbies
  • Tutoring programs
  • Medical care 

Your lawyer can negotiate a settlement based on your custody agreement so your children are cared for in a way that is financially reasonable for both parents. 

Plan for Educational Costs

No matter how old they are at the time of your divorce, it’s important to include college tuition agreements for your kids in your settlement. Figuring out a plan for your child’s education in advance can save you and your co-parent financial headaches down the road and ultimately set your child up for a successful future. 

It’s not just children’s educational costs that come into play. Do you anticipate taking some courses or earning a degree so you can bring new skills into the workforce? Research the cost of advancing your education and account for this in your post-divorce budget. 

Set Aside Emergency Funds

An important part of financial planning after divorce is preparing for the unexpected. What would you do if your car suddenly broke down and you had to pay thousands for a new one? Would an urgent medical crisis put you into debt?

Establish an emergency savings account and commit to putting a little bit in it each month. This account will build over time, so you eventually accrue enough to cover six months of your living expenses. Having this safety net will give you peace of mind should you lose your job or face some other financial hardship.

Team Up With a Trusted Divorce Attorney

Creating a post-divorce budget will help you move on from your marriage and be financially independent. Approach this process with the help of Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. Contact our family law firm at (866) 261-9529 or submit our online form to schedule a consultation.

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Divorce and Your Credit Score

Simply ending your Bucks County marriage cannot cause your credit score to drop. The actions you and your spouse take before, during, and after your divorce can cause credit problems in the short term and long into the future. You can mitigate credit damage by reassessing your financial obligations during proceedings, ensuring bills are paid, and separating your financials as soon as possible.  

Below, we discuss the connection between divorce and your credit score, as well as tips to limit the fallout.  

Be Strategic About Paying Bills

Your credit score after divorce can remain the same as during your marriage as long as you pay your bills on time. Financial separation is crucial during this period, so you (and you alone) are responsible for your bills.  

Think about the bills in your name and who pays for them. For example, paying off your credit card each month will remain your responsibility if the account belongs to you alone. Joint assets can create problems for divorcing spouses, especially if they default on a loan.

Say you and your spouse share a home, and both of your names appear on the deed and mortgage. If you move out and don’t pay your share of the mortgage, your credit can suffer because your name is still attached to the loan. 

The connection between divorce and lower credit scores often has to do with not paying bills. Whether this is due to stress or lifestyle changes, your credit score might take a hit. 

Don’t Take On New Debt

Lawyers often guide couples through the complex process of divorce and debt division. Legal professionals strongly advise against taking on new debt, especially if the asset doesn’t belong to you. This includes:

  • Mortgages
  • Car payments
  • Student loans
  • Credit card debt

You could be on the hook for payments that you agreed to during your marriage, especially if you signed as a primary or co-signer for your spouse. For example, if a husband has student loan debt and the wife was a co-signer on that loan, she could become liable for future payments despite a divorce. If she stops paying amid a separation and the husband is not able to pay, then the wife’s credit score could be impacted.

Avoid Joint Account Liability

Perhaps the biggest credit impact of divorce boils down to keeping joint accounts when you’re no longer legally married. Start over by closing these accounts and only using bank or credit card accounts solely in your name. I recommend this step because it helps alleviate certain financial obligations tied to your ex once you officially end the marriage. 

Changing your existing account numbers in case your former spouse still has access to them is a good idea. For example, your computer may save one of your credit cards and allow your ex to make purchases on your dime. Changing your account information prevents this, helping you achieve an independent financial future. 

Prepare for Your Future With a Professional Divorce Attorney

Mitigate the impact of divorce and your credit score with the help of Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. Our knowledgeable family lawyers can guide you through proceedings and assist with child custody agreements, alimony, and more. 

Call (866) 261-9529 or submit our online booking form to request a consultation – we’re standing by and ready to help.

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Divorcing? Get Your Credit Report

Starting the initial steps of a divorce can feel overwhelming. You may be unsure what processes to prioritize or how to set yourself up for success. One step you can take now is requesting a copy of your credit report. 

This can aid you in your next steps as you start to move forward financially after the property division process. 

Why Do You Need Your Credit Report? 

Your credit report offers a summary of your credit activity, including loans and other debts. It includes information such as your:

  • Bill payment history
  • Bankruptcy history
  • Loans
  • Current debts

When you apply for loans or other financial opportunities, the financial institution will view your report to determine your trustworthiness and eligibility. If you have a significant amount of debt or a history of late payments, it may deny your application. 

Requesting a copy of your report can help you prepare for certain financial processes in your divorce, such as refinancing your mortgage or applying for an apartment rental. If this report paints a negative picture of your finances, you can start taking steps now to improve your credit or explore other opportunities that won’t hinge on your creditworthiness. 

You can also identify any hidden debts or assets that will eventually come to light during the marital dissolution process. If you find any discrepancies in your report, potentially indicating malicious behavior from your spouse, you can address them now. 

Protecting Your Credit During and After Divorce

Divorce can have indirect consequences on your credit score, which could limit future financial opportunities. Years of marriage and combined finances can be challenging to untangle. These tips may help you protect your credit during the divorce process:

  • Keep an eye on your report. Free copies are available online, allowing you to quickly identify any changes or issues. 
  • Close credit cards and pay off loans wherever possible. 
  • Change the account numbers on the remaining accounts so your spouse does not accidentally or maliciously use them. 
  • Put a lock on your credit so your spouse cannot open any new accounts under your name. 

If your score is on the lower side, take steps now to begin building credit. You might apply for a secured credit card, practice making bill payments on time, and reach out to a credit counselor for help. 

How To Request a Copy of Your Credit Report 

You should never need to pay for a copy of your credit report. You can request a free report as often as once per week through AnnualCreditReport.com, a service authorized by federal law. 

You will need to answer a few personal questions before you can see your reports. This ensures that no one else can access your information aside from you. 

Let Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Help You Protect Your Finances During Divorce

Legal separation and divorce can strain your finances. At Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., we help clients protect their rights while divorcing. Let us guide you through the settlement agreement, divorce petition, alimony discussions, and more. Call (866) 349-4149 to schedule a general consultation.

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What You Need To Know About Lengthy Court Battles in Divorce

If you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse cannot reach agreements about issues like asset division, child custody, or spousal support on your own, you may need to go to trial. A judge will decide these issues for you based on Pennsylvania’s laws, attempting to reach a fair decision. We understand if you fear the lengthy court battles and stressful debates that can be part of this process. 

Here is what you need to know about going to court in a divorce. 

How Long Is the Divorce Court Process? 

If you and your spouse must use litigation to decide on divorce issues, you can generally expect the process to take about a year. It may be faster or slower, depending on court delays and how long you spend negotiating. 

The process generally follows these steps: 

  1. Evidence discovery, where you and your spouse both disclose finances and other relevant information
  2. Trial preparation and pre-trial conferences
  3. Motion hearings if either party seeks a specific court order or action 
  4. Trial, where both parties present evidence and witnesses to support their requests for custody or other issues
  5. Final judgment and divorce decree from the judge

Downsides of Going to Court

For some divorcing couples, going to trial is inevitable. They have tried to settle relevant matters on their own but cannot reach an agreement. Still, it’s worth exploring the potential downsides of going to trial as you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse attempt to reach a resolution. 

Legal fees, court costs, and other expenses often make going to trial expensive. This process also takes more time than reaching a divorce agreement on your own. 

During negotiations with your spouse, they can claim rights to any new money you earn. These claims can cost you more time and money, even if they are unfounded. Your finances may not truly be separate from theirs until the divorce is finalized. 

Above all, going to trial means you permit a judge to make all decisions about the divorce for you, and you and your spouse must abide by them. While you can attempt to prove your side with evidence and an attorney’s assistance, you won’t have any say in the judge’s final decision, and it may not adequately reflect your wishes or situation. 

Mediation May Help You Avoid Court 

Divorce attorneys typically advise couples to try mediation before enduring lengthy court battles. This process involves meeting with a trained mediator who can help you resolve your dispute. You and your spouse will each have an opportunity to present your case and negotiate a mutually beneficial solution. 

Finding out the downsides of going to court may prompt you and your spouse to be willing to compromise on issues to avoid this process. Mediation is worth a try, as it could save you a significant amount of time and money. 

Let Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Guide Your Divorce Process

Whether you want to try mediation or need an experienced attorney to help you through a lengthy court battle, Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., is here for you. Call (866) 349-4149 to schedule a general consultation. 

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Meta Description: Going to trial in a divorce sometimes involves lengthy court battles. Learn what to expect and how to avoid going to trial from Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C.

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How To Get Copies of Your Divorce Records

If you recently went through the divorce process in Bucks County, PA, you should have received a certified copy of your divorce decree signed by a judge shortly after it was finalized. However, you may need to secure additional copies of your decree, either now or sometime in the future.

Learn how to get copies of your divorce records in the Keystone State. Find out how to procure them below.

Why You May Need Copies of Your Divorce Records

Before we discuss how to obtain copies of your divorce documents, let’s briefly touch on why you might need to locate them in the first place.

These documents serve as legal proof of divorce. You may need to have certified copies on hand in many instances throughout your life.

It’s necessary to have them in your possession in any of the following situations:

  • You plan to remarry and have to apply for a new marriage license
  • You apply for government benefits, such as Social Security
  • You seek to remove a former spouse from a property deed
  • Your former spouse isn’t complying with the agreed-upon terms of your decree

How To Secure Copies of Your Divorce Records

When determining how to get copies of your divorce records, you will be happy to hear that you may do it in several ways. Here are your options.

Searching for Them Online

If you want to look up your Bucks County divorce records online, it should be simple enough to find them. Take these steps:

  1. Visit http://pennsylvaniacourtrecords.us/bucks/
  2. Utilize the site’s Case Search tool
  3. Look for your records case or party

While this is an effective option for those who wish to peruse through the terms listed in a divorce decree, it isn’t the right choice for those searching for certified copies of divorce records.

Picking Them Up in Person

You can pick up certified copies of your divorce records in person. The Bucks County Court of Common Pleas Family Division retains these records.

You may ask for county clerk and court records by visiting the Office of the Bucks County Prothonotary at the Bucks County Justice Center at 100 North Main Street #2 in Doylestown, PA 18901. This is a reliable way to minimize fees and processing time for records.

Requesting Them by Mail

Additionally, you may request copies of your divorce records by mail through the Office of the Bucks County Prothonotary.

Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to this office along with a check made out to the Prothonotary for $5.75 per decree.

Contact Us To Discover More About Tracking Down Copies of Your Divorce Records

Are you still unsure of how to get copies of your divorce records in Bucks County? Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C.’s divorce attorneys are here to help and can explain your options further. We can also explain the differences between a divorce decree and divorce certificate, as well as between certified and informational copies of divorce decrees.

Call us at (866) 309-3307 today for assistance in Pennsylvania or nearby New Jersey.

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What Do You Do If You Don’t Want a Divorce?

Divorce may feel like a last resort, something you want to avoid at all costs. Just because your spouse seems to have their mind made up doesn’t mean you have followed suit. You may still be hanging on to the last threads of your marriage and hoping to reach a resolution. This is often a gut-wrenching situation. 

If your spouse has already filed with the courts here in Bucks or Montgomery Counties, you must obey all deadlines. It is time to hire an attorney to go over the initial paperwork with you and prepare you for the next steps. 

Understanding what to do if you don’t want a divorce starts with knowing what you are legally required to do. Then, you can explore your options and start to move forward. 

Can You Refuse a Divorce? 

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These are the five stages of grief and the stages many divorcees go through when approaching this process. You may initially be in denial and wonder whether you can simply refuse the action or pretend it doesn’t exist. 

If your spouse has legally initiated the divorce, there is immediacy in following deadlines. However, keep in mind that your divorce will take some time. By law, Pennsylvania has a 90-day mandatory cooling-off period for divorce. After filing, you and your spouse must wait at least 90 days to finalize the process. This gives you time to reconsider the decision and negotiate any issues, like child support or property division. 

Pennsylvania follows no-fault divorce laws, meaning a spouse can choose to end their marriage without assigning blame or proving fault. While you cannot refuse this legal action, you maintain the right to contest a divorce if you disagree with the terms and want the court to intervene. 

What To Do If You Don’t Want a Divorce and Your Spouse Does

If you don’t want a divorce, now may be a good time to sit down with your spouse and determine whether they are open to reconsidering. Would they be willing to try anything to make your marriage work? Or are they already checked out? 

A few options you can present to them are:

  • Divorce counseling and mediation: Counseling can work wonders for healing a marriage. If you are going through a contentious divorce, you may even need to complete court-mandated marriage counseling. A mediator could also help you and your spouse reach a compromise. 
  • Legal separation: You and your spouse can live separately without officially ending your marriage. Perhaps your spouse is open to delaying divorce proceedings and instead living separately to start. 

If your partner isn’t open to any of these, it’s time to work on acceptance. This doesn’t need to be a fast process. Take it a day at a time, and start moving forward. 

Seek Guidance From Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. 

Your life isn’t over just because you are going through a separation. You have a world of opportunities ahead of you, and you may look back and realize that this step was for the better in the long run. 

At Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., we would be happy to advise you on what you can do if you don’t want a divorce. Contact us today at (866) 309-3307 for a legal consultation.

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How Do You Protect Your Money and Your Financial Future During a Divorce?

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Going through a Bucks County divorce may feel like you are completely upending your life. If you are a stay-at-home parent or a low-income-earning spouse, or you simply rely on your partner for financial support, the thought of separating may feel immensely scary. 

How do you protect your money during a divorce? How will you financially recover? Strategic planning with the help of the right divorce attorney can allow you to navigate this process as smoothly as possible. 

What Will Happen to Your Money in a Divorce? 

Before you can start protecting your money, you need to understand what is at stake. In Pennsylvania, the court distinguishes between marital vs. non-marital property. Marital property includes anything you or your spouse acquired during the marriage or any assets that increased in value during this time.

Marital property is subject to an equitable distribution of assets, meaning the court would attempt to divide these items fairly between you. If you have any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements in place, these may play into the distribution process. Asset protection trusts can also prevent certain accounts from being divided. 

Tips To Protect Your Money as a Low-Income-Earning Spouse or Stay-at-Home Parent 

If you are a low-income-earner, the court will take this into account when determining what assets and funds to leave you with in the divorce. Still, you may have trouble moving forward independently. The following tips can help you protect your money during divorce and plan your financial future:

  • Build financial independence: Start looking for ways to build income and untangle your finances from your spouse’s.
  • Start investigating employment that includes healthcare: If you were previously a stay-at-home parent, you’ll likely need to gain some form of employment now. A job that includes healthcare can make up for your loss of access to your spouse’s benefits. 
  • Gain a clear sense of your financial situation: Examine your shared bank accounts, investments, and other assets and estimate that you may receive around half of these in the divorce. 
  • Begin working on your post-divorce budget: With your anticipated income in mind, create a budget where you set aside 50% of your earnings to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to investment. This will help you estimate how much you can afford on expenses like housing, groceries, bills, and a vehicle. 
  • Talk to your mortgage broker: You may want to keep the family home, especially if your kids will live primarily with you. But be sure to talk to your mortgage broker about whether this is financially sustainable with one income. 
  • Avoid pre-paying bills with shared money: While it is tempting, don’t take income from your shared accounts to pre-pay bills or buy items in bulk. This could lead to issues with hidden assets and forensic accounting. 

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., is here to help you protect your money during a divorce. We can explain the tax implications of divorce settlements, advise on strategic practices to build financial independence, and protect your right to equitable distribution. Contact us today at (866) 309-3307 for a general consultation. 

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Is Your Spouse Snooping on You?

Is your spouse snooping on you? Maybe you caught them surreptitiously handling your phone or noticed they always seem to know when you step outside. If your marriage is under tremendous strain, your spouse has threatened divorce, or you have talked about separating, it is critical that you protect your privacy.  

Spying on one’s partner is a serious violation of boundaries, especially if your marriage is already under strain. Learn how to tell whether your spouse is keeping you under surveillance and how you can shield your privacy. 

Why Would Your Spouse Spy on You?

People may spy on their significant other for many reasons, like jealousy, lack of trust, or obsessive control. When a marriage is nearing its end, it’s not uncommon for one partner to spy on another to try to uncover something they could use as leverage in divorce proceedings. 

For example, adultery can serve as grounds for a fault-based divorce in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Your spouse may harness advanced technology or physically stalk you to try and prove you’ve been cheating and use the evidence to their advantage, such as by asking the court to order less alimony.

Your spouse could also decide to monitor your financial activities, including whether you’re taking funds out of a joint account or purchasing a major asset.  

Above all, snooping and stalking is a toxic power dynamic. Knowing you’re under constant surveillance can make you feel helpless, trapped, and afraid.

How To Know Your Spouse Is Snooping on You

Determining whether your spouse is snooping on you can be difficult. The following signs may hint that you’re the target of your partner’s unethical spying:

  • You notice strange apps on your phone that you don’t remember installing
  • Some of your messages are marked as read, even though you know you haven’t opened them yet
  • Your phone’s records don’t match your activity, e.g., they show you were using your phone when you were asleep or display recently used apps you didn’t open

If you suspect your spouse is snooping on you, change all your phone, tablet, and computer passcodes and enable logins for all apps. At the very least, this may prevent them from continuing this behavior while you figure out the next steps.

Disable location data so your spouse can’t track you. Take your phone to a cybersecurity professional to screen it for concealed surveillance apps and check your car for hidden GPS devices.

Before confronting your spouse, talk to a lawyer and discuss your options. Using illegal means to spy on someone, even one’s spouse, could carry serious legal consequences. Moreover, any information gathered this way would likely be inadmissible as evidence in court proceedings.

Call Us If You’re Facing Divorce and Suspect Your Spouse Is Spying on You

Is your spouse snooping on you? This is an unsettling notion, particularly if you’re planning a divorce and suspect your spouse is trying to uncover sensitive information that could harm your interests. Contact us at Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., to find out how you can protect your rights and defend your private data. Book a consultation today.

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Protecting Your Relationship With Your Child During and After Your Divorce

As a parent, you may naturally worry about how divorce will impact your relationship with your children. Separation is a time of emotional upheaval for everybody, including your children, who face the loss of the family unit as they know it. 

The prospect of divorce may make children feel confused, anxious, or angry. Any associated changes, like relocation or changing schools, could add to the stress. The tips below will help nurture your relationship with your child throughout and after divorce.

Help Your Child Process the Situation

Your child may struggle to understand or accept the end of your marriage. They may wonder how the family will function from now on, how holidays and birthdays will work, or whether they’ll have to leave their home and friends. 

Sit with your child and explain what’s happening in a calm, reassuring, and age-appropriate way. For young children, hearing that the divorce is nobody’s fault and that both parents will always be there for them may be enough. Teens may appreciate more eye-to-eye communication and stronger involvement in their living or schooling arrangements. 

However, no matter how old your children are, avoid over-sharing details about the legal proceedings, property division, or alimony. Simply assure your child that you and their other parent will arrange all practical matters. 

Make Time for Your Children

During divorce proceedings, it’s easy to become caught up in practical arrangements like gathering documentation or looking for a new place to live. It’s important to stay present for your children, not just in taking care of their physical needs, but as a parent who still makes time for fun. 

Take your child out to the park, arrange a movie night, or do other meaningful activities that show your child that spending time with them is high on your priority list. 

Work Together With Your Co-Parent

Divorce is a time when emotions run high and disputes flare up. The entire process will be much less stressful if you and your soon-to-be-ex agree on a parenting plan that covers all essentials, like with whom the child will primarily live and how you’ll split vacation time. 

Your child will fare much better emotionally if you present a stable and united front as co-parents. Always speak respectfully about your child’s other parent and avoid making your child feel like they must choose sides. Professional mediation can help you both bridge any differences with your ex.

Of course, amicable co-parenting might be challenging if your soon-to-be-ex deliberately tries to alienate your child against you or uses custody as a bargaining chip. Consult a skilled family lawyer if you’re divorcing a narcissist or another high-conflict personality type.

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C.: Helping You Navigate Divorce and Custody in NJ and PA

Are you concerned about how family dynamics might affect your children before, during, and after divorce? Our skilled and empathetic family law team at Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., can help you work out a parenting plan that minimizes conflict and protects relationships. Schedule a consultation today.

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