What are my tax filing status options for the years after my divorce?

Once the divorce has been finalized or you have been legally separated in certain states, you will have the option of filing under the following statuses (unless re-married): 

• Head of Household 
• Single

Head of household has quite a few advantages.  In order to qualify for the advantageous head of household status, you must meet the following requirements:

• You are unmarried or legally separated under a divorce decree or separate maintenance agreement as of December 31st of the tax filing year.
• A qualifying dependent lived with you in the home for more than half the year.
• You paid more than half of the cost associated with keeping up a home for the year.