Innocent Spouse Relief · Nationwide Practice

Your ex lied on your taxes.
The IRS says you owe.
You may not.

If you filed a joint tax return with a spouse who hid income, fabricated deductions, or didn't pay what was owed — the IRS can come after you for the full amount. Even years later. Even after the divorce. There's a way out. It's called Innocent Spouse Relief, and it's what I do.

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No fee. No obligation. Just clarity.

Meet Joy

A lifetime ago, I made history when I won a voting rights case before the United States Supreme Court. It was the pinnacle of democracy — and "lifetime" is the right word, because I have an adult child who wasn't even born when it happened.

These days, my most important case is yours. Innocent spouse relief is my favorite area of tax law because it's where listening with empathy, asking the right questions, and making a careful plan yields life-changing results. Every case is a story, and I want to hear yours.

DC Bar · 20 Years of Practice · Former Managing Attorney — Consumer Justice Group

What Is Innocent Spouse Relief?

When you file a joint tax return, both spouses are legally responsible for everything on that return — every dollar of income, every deduction, every penny of tax owed. This is true even if your spouse handled all the finances. Even if you had no idea what was on the return. Even if you're now divorced and a court said they'd pay.

A divorce decree does not release you from IRS liability.

IRS Form 8857 lets you request relief from a tax debt that rightfully belongs to your spouse or former spouse. The IRS reviews your case and can release you from part or all of the liability — including penalties and interest. There are three types of relief available, and you don't need to figure out which one applies. That's my job.

Does This Sound Like You?

These are the situations I see most often.

"My ex had income I didn't know about."

Your spouse earned money — from a side business, freelance work, cash payments, investments — and never reported it. The IRS audited the return, found the missing income, and now says you owe thousands in back taxes plus penalties. You had no idea.

"My ex claimed deductions that weren't real."

Inflated business expenses. Fabricated charitable donations. Fake losses. Your spouse took deductions they weren't entitled to, reducing the tax owed — and now the IRS wants it back. From both of you.

"We filed jointly and they just... didn't pay."

The return was filed correctly, but the tax bill never got paid. Your ex promised to handle it, or you gave them the money and they spent it elsewhere. Now there's a growing balance with penalties and interest — and the IRS is looking at you.

"I signed the return because I was afraid not to."

Abuse, coercion, financial control — these are factors the IRS considers. If you signed a joint return under pressure or duress, equitable relief may be available even if you technically knew about the problem.

How It Works

Free Consultation

We talk for 18 minutes. You tell me what happened. I tell you whether you likely qualify for relief and what the path looks like. No charge, no obligation.

We Gather Your Story

I walk you through exactly what documentation we need and help you tell your story in the way the IRS needs to hear it. This is where empathy meets strategy — and it's where most cases are won or lost.

File Form 8857

I prepare and file your Request for Innocent Spouse Relief with the IRS. The form covers all three types of relief — the IRS determines which you qualify for.

IRS Review & Resolution

The IRS reviews your case (typically 3-6 months). They'll notify your ex-spouse and give them a chance to respond. I handle all correspondence and advocate for you through the entire process, including appeals if needed.

Transparent, Flat-Fee Pricing

No hourly billing. No surprises. You know the cost before we start.

Consultation

Free

18 minutes. Tell me what happened. I'll tell you if you have a case and what it would cost to pursue.

Full Representation

$1,800

Case evaluation, document preparation, Form 8857 filing, all IRS correspondence, and advocacy through determination. Payment plans available.

Complex cases involving multiple tax years or Tax Court petitions may require a supplemental fee, discussed in advance.

Not Ready to Talk Yet?

Tell me a little about your situation. I'll follow up personally.

Your ex lied on your taxes.The IRS says you owe.You may not.