I am in the process of a divorce and am legally separated. Me and my husband filed together last year but are filing separate this year. Is that legal and ok?

[bwa]

That is legal and okay, but married separate is a terrible tax status.

You may be able to file single. If you meet the strict definition of "legally separated", you are considered single (or you may qualify for Head of Household if you have a dependent.)

An individual who is legally separated from his/her spouse under a decree of divorce or of separate maintenance is not considered married (i.e., that would be single.) Mere separation is insufficient - there must be an actual Court decree. Also some states recognize a legal separation and other states do not, and among the different states, the term means different things. Those states that do not recognize legal separations are:

• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• New Jersey (except in civil union cases)
• Pennsylvania and
• Texas

If you have any doubt as to your status in your state, check with a local attorney who specializes in family law (or handled your separation.)