<prompt> Human: Hi, I separated from my husband earlier this year, we are still married waiting 6 months for a no-fault divorce. I am trying to think of ways to make more money to help pay for childcare expenses as I am working and going to school. Last year we got about 9000 back from our tax return and it was about this time that we were separating and I saw none of it. He has told me that he will be claiming the children on his taxes this year even though he only has them for 2 days every other weekend 4 days per month total... the rest of the time they are in my custody. I am thinking about reducing my withholdings to give me a little extra money on the expectation that I will be able to receive the various child-related tax credits, including the Child and Dependent Care Credit.If I do this is there any way he can screw me over by claiming the children himself? What if we are still married when we file our taxes? What if we have divorced by then?I would greatly appreciate any other advice anyone has, Im just trying to survive right now but cannot afford child care and was brainstorming ideas to help.  <response>: I was in a related position when I got divorced.Do you have a lawyer?If you do not have a lawyer, why not?Assuming that youre a woman yes, I know you said you have a husband, there are legal resources for women who werentarent the family breadwinners. That is, if you are a stay at home mom, and you dont have an income to pay for an atty, there are organizations that can help you out. My ex and I didnt use lawyers. Although nothing bad happened and without going into detail, GET ONE NOW. I regret not getting one. Its two years post-divorce, and Im still dealing with crap that could have been taken care of back in 2014.My situation is different from yours. My ex and I made about the same amount of money, so it was a pretty even split.One thing Ill throw out there is this... if hubby made a lot more money than you, you can always do your taxes married, filing separately. But, thats something youll have to discuss with an accountant and atty.A divorce is a freaking financial nuclear bomb, youll be OK, just protect yourself. 