Im starting this process

[simpleminded 0]

I have a few basic questions about this process that i am trying to wrap my brain around.

Firstly, I'm waiting on a divorce to finalize. We've been seperated legally for over 8 months, and when the divorce clears it will have been at least a year coming. I've been with my fiance for the majority of that time frame. Will the filing date coinciding with my divorce decree cause me any hassle?

Im also being forced to file my 2006 income taxes with my ex, because it's financially better for us both if we do so, that and we were still legally married as of December 31. I'm self employed, which will come with it's own headaches I'm sure (see below). So my household size is three of I'm reading things correctly, but will the determination include all income for the household on the tax return, or just mine. By myself I make less on paper because I expense a large percentage of my rent and utilities for my home office.

Currently I work both in my own business and also work part time locally. My business is currently under long term contract to a customer where I receive the same "salary" monthly. After expenses, however, my income dips dangerously close to being below the threshold for a family of 2, let alone a household of 3. Would it be a good idea to include a statement from the company I contract for indicating how much I am paid, as well as the plans to bring me on full time in July 2007. Is there a form used to itemize expenses for a home based office? My company subsidizes 50% of my rent (because my office takes up 50% of my space) and utilities, however this brings my adjusted gross income down. Im worried about not qualifying as a sponsor. Most of my assets are owned by the business, which in and of itself isn't really valued at very much. I could sell my contract for around 15k or so, my equipment for less than 5k. I have around 2k in the bank, but it fluctuates.

For the sake of reference my fiance is from Toronto, ON, CA.

I want to do this the right way.

Thanks In Advance,

Mike

[Thingee 0]

OK, to the first question, no. Just make sure it's all nice and legal.

As to the second...I honestly have NO idea. It seems as though your family size would be 2 however, as your soon to be ex doesn't live with you.

As for being self employed...I'm in the same boat so got myself a co-sponsor to be on the safe side. My perks are far fewer than yours, but I take a hit on my gross income due to a pretty hefty mileage deduction every year. Great for taxes, but stinks for filling out forms.

[Ladylethal 12]

I'd make an attachment explaining your tax return situation, that your ex doesn't live with you and that she's only in the tax return as a convinience for both until the divorce is final. For the poverty guidelines they look at your gross income, so if the gross income is above the guideline, you should be fine. You could get a co-sponsor for peace of mind, in case they see a problem with you not adding your soon to be ex to the household side or something similar.

I'd wait for other more experienced members to help you out better though.

[simpleminded 0]

Thanks for the help so far. Any other advice?

Mike

[payxibka 10,047]

I have read (therefore hearsay evidence at best) that if the divorce date and the petition filing date are close together in time then it is supposedly a "red flag". With that said, I have never read anyone who has in fact experienced difficulty when this situation is present......