After Being Married for 15 Years, John and Shirley Decided

question 80

Multiple Choice

After being married for 15 years, John and Shirley decided to get a divorce. After a long court battle, the judge ruled that they share custody of their five-year-old daughter Debbie. Last year, Debbie lived with her Dad for eight months and spent the remaining four months with her mother. John and Shirley provide equal financial support for Debbie. Who will be able to claim Debbie as a qualifying dependent?

• A) Both John and Shirley will be able to claim Debbie as a dependent since they provide equal financial support.
• B) John will be able to claim Debbie as a dependent because he provides equal financial support and Debbie lives with him for more than half the year.
• C) Shirley will be able to claim Debbie as the dependent since this is a right reserved only for mothers.
• D) Neither John nor Shirley will be able to claim Debbie as a dependent since they are no longer able to file as married filing jointly.