claiming a child on taxes

[almostsm]

What is the name of your state? MO

It is looking as though my husband's ex will not allow him to claim one of his twin children on his taxes every year (she hasn't actually said no, but we know she will.) My husband's attorney said he can ask for whatever he wants in court, but more than likely this particular thing he will not get- why? I don't know. Most cases I've seen it's been standard that the parents share the exemptions from year to year.

If my husband is not allowed to claim one of his children on taxes every year, is there a way he can write off any expenses incurred because of the children when we have them?

My husband is currently ordered to do all driving for his visitation (the children live 500 miles away,) and we have to supply a complete wardrobe for these children because their mother only sends (typically) 2 shirts and 2 pairs of pants which are usually 2 sizes too small for the boys- we have to provide socks, underwear, coats (when it's cold,) ect... I know many courts view clothing issues just as each household should have enough supplies for the children, but the parenting plan specifically states the custodial parent needs to send "adequate" clothing for the visit... for lack of a more specific plan, this is why I come here to ask this question.

Because of the distance involved, my husband needs to take off of work the day he gets the children and the day he returns the children. And in order for the visitation to be meaningful, he needs to take off of work the day in between visitation (he is allowed 1 weekend a month with them and some holidays.) I've calculated that he loses about 14% of his gross wages each year because of this (she is the one who moved.)

If he can't write off these expenses, is there anything else he may be able to do?

[Snipes5]

Sorry, I don't have a lot of sympathy for you.

I personally have kids, and if I have to take off work to take care of them, I don't consider it "lost wages", it's called parenting. If your husband doesn't like the current arrangement, he can always go back to court. Tell him to get a female attorney.

And no, you cannot claim any manner of parenting "expenses" as a deduction on your tax return.

Next time marry a guy who has a dog.

Snipes

[almostsm]

You know, I had this long explanation typed up. I decided it's not even worth posting because I really don't care what you think of me. I know you do not know my entire situation.

I simply asked a question and gave a little background. If there was something you didn't understand, I would have been more than happy to answer any questions.

A simple, "No, I do not believe you can write these expenses off," would have done just fine.

And by your educated response, I'd guess you don't even know what you're talking about anyways.

But thank you nonetheless.