Articles by Jonathan M. Dana

Under the current federal tax scheme, a divorced spouse who pays alimony may deduct those payments from his or her federal taxable income; by contrast, a divorced spouse who receives alimony must pay federal taxes on the alimony.  The alimony-payment deduction incentivizes high-earning spouses to pay larger alimony amounts to…

Abraham Lincoln famously said:  “Discourage litigation.  Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can.  Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser – in fees, expenses, and waste of time.” Most experienced divorce lawyers today will tell a client the same thing – that litigation…

There is a lot at stake when facing a divorce. Here are four suggestions to help you obtain a good result: Gather the right people to advise you. You’ll need expert guidance and assistance during the divorce process. Find an experienced family law attorney to help you understand your rights…

Jonathan Dana recently shared his expertise in handling complex divorce cases with Legal Service Providers and Pro Bono Attorneys.  The training was sponsored by the DC Bar Association.  Drawing on his more than 30 years of legal experience, Jonathan lectured both on substantive divorce law and on practical “tips of…

The four things you should look for when you are choosing a divorce litigator are: experience, preparation, insightfulness and organization. Experience When litigation is necessary in order to resolve your marital issues, you need a lawyer with extensive experience in the law who can operate smoothly in the courtroom. This…