Other parents work out agreements where, over time, one parent may feel comfortable enough to call and say, 'I just got free front row tickets to Sesame Street Live. The best visitation schedule is the one that makes sense for the child. Offer them your undivided attention. If you do not have CPA or tax lawyer, ask your divorce lawyer for a referral. Most divorce lawyers are not qualified to give tax advice and will tell you so.
Tax law can change dramatically each year.
Only qualified tax professionals study the yearly changes. Your lawyer may want to discuss the matter with your CPA or obtain independent tax advice from a tax professional on your behalf. Signing a joint tax return can have any number of pitfalls. Years in the future, the I.R.S. may determine a deficiency exists. Even if you are no longer married, the I.R.S. may try to collect from both parties at the same time without regard to whom the deficiency is attributable.