New year, new thread, update of sorts..

[dmkdmkdmk]

OK. Dilemma here. The answer might be wait until April 15th and see how it works out.

I finally have all of the docs needed to file taxes. H was out of the house for more than 6 months, he's had the kids overnight probably about three times, and he definitely did not contribute to half of the cost of raising and feeding them. He's paying me $650/mo now for child support, but this is only since around November. We just moved into a brand new home last January, so there are deductions related to that.

I've worked out our taxes in several different scenarios - whether we itemize or not, file jointly or not, or split the kids. The best scenarios for me, obviously, are filing separately. H will end up owing $1K-$2K depending on whether I itemize or not. My refund (much needed!) would be $1500-2K. I also want to be in the best situation tax-wise for student aid since I will probably be taking out loans for school.

H is angry that he might have to owe money for taxes, as he does not have money to spare. We can file jointly, and I end up with about $300.00.

If I insist on filing separate:

He will think I'm doing it just to be difficult and spiteful.
He will probably not look at himself as the cause of this problem.

However:
*I* have been supporting the kids.
*I* have been paying the mortgage.
FFS, *I* had a baby two months after he moved out and I went through the whole post-partum thing by myself.
I don't think he deserves MFJ.

We have been getting along great for the past couple of months, and there are times when I think we might make it, but sometimes I worry that he's just trying not to rock the boat. Or that he's basically using me - he comes over and hangs out at the house with the kids so that he can use my internet (I pay for) and watch my TV (I pay for) and eat my food (I pay for).

So, I could really use that money. :P I guess I'll just wait to file taxes on April 15.