Can I Deduct Divorce Attorney Costs?

Series Summary

Romantic love is a wonderful thing. Finding a kindred soul can make every action in life meaningful and rewarding. This happily-ever-after ending has been ingrained into consciousness from a young age. Growing up on fairy tales and romantic comedies, we know how to deal with the beginning stages of romantic love. Unfortunately, the demise of a relationship is something that no one can prepare for. Nonetheless, circumstances develop, people change and love can disappear. Struggling through a failing marriage or relationship is no doubt one of the hardest and most challenging experiences, but it's the perfect opportunity for personal growth and fulfillment. In this free video series, a certified family mediator provides advice for people going through a divorce or thinking about getting a divorce. Discover how to find a good divorce lawyer, how to finalize a divorce and how to protect money in a divorce. Learn how to protect children in a divorce, how to rescind a divorce and how to simply survive a divorce. With this relationship advice, anyone will be better equipped to handle the toughest of times.

Video Transcript

"You have just been involved in a divorce, and you want to know how much of what you paid that divorce attorney can you deduct on your taxes. Hi, I'm Robert Todd, and I'm here to answer the question, are divorce attorney's fees deductible? The answer is generally not. Contrary to popular belief, only those matters that are tax related are deductible. Right off the bat, generally divorce matters concerning child custody, child visitation, child support are not deductible. The payment of child support is not of any tax consequence. On the other hand, divorce information regarding alimony is tax deductible because the payment of alimony is tax deductible, and the receipt of alimony is taxable income. If you have a real question of whether it is or is not deductible, consult a tax attorney. I'm Robert Todd and thank you for watching."