Can I claim child care dependent costs if I don't claim the children as full dependents?

[skywalkerjade01]

I have 4 children. In 2018 they lived part year with me (5 months) and 7 months with my ex husband. He is rightfully claiming them all as dependents on his tax return since they lived there more than 50% of the time. During the 5 months that they lived with me, I paid child care expenses for the younger two children. Is there any way for me to be able to claim the child dependent care credit even though they lived with their father for a great part of the year?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

No.  Only the custodial parent can claim childcare credit.  That would be the other parent in your situation.