Thanks for your reply. As I understand the Innocent Spouse Relief, I can only claim this if we file jointly and only if *I did not know about the underpaid taxes upon signing the joint return*. My lawyer said the IRS and divorce courts rule separately, so anything decided by a judge doesn't factor into the IRS's rules and regulations. Lawyer also doesn't seem interested in going after this. (As mentioned, it seems I need a new lawyer who'll better look out for my best interest and the best interest of our children. I'm down to crunch time since this just came up on Friday, though, so finding a competent new lawyer and getting this filed by April 18 would be too tough. Filing an extension would just add interest to the money he owes, so that'd be a rebuttal for him if I had to go after him later.) I would really just like to know if I'd be providing myself any sort of protection by filing separately. If I file jointly and then try to amend to MFS status and have to involve lawyers, that'd be an additional expense and additional time and stress...none of which I have extra to give. :(
