Claiming eligible dependants during year of separation.

[goaroundflap]

I am finding a lot of conflicting information.  We separated last year, 2 children, I pay child support.  I have read:

1. We both can claim one child, each and every year.

2. I can never claim either child since I am paying support.

3. I can claim one child but only for the year we separated.

The software only asks for marital status as of December 31. Does it not matter how many months we were married for and then separated?

[TurboTax-Terry]

• The claim is for a child for whom you had to make support payments for 2017. However, if you were separated from your spouse or common-law partner for only part of 2017 because of a breakdown in your relationship, you may be able to claim an amount for that child on line 305 (plus any allowable amounts on lines 304 and 318) if you do not claim any support amounts paid to your spouse or common-law partner on line 220 of your return. You can claim whichever is better for you.

Line 304 Canada Caregiver Amount

Line 318 Disability Amount transferred from a Dependant.

Line 220 Alimony/Spousal Support

[TurboTax-Terry]

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-re...

[goaroundflap]

So then what amount would be claimed on line 305???

[TurboTax-Terry]

Eligible Dependant.