Every other year I get to claim my child on my taxes. I am with the understanding that in order to claim head of household that the child has to be with you over half of the year. Last year I had her for 185 days and nights. What I am wondering is can I claim head of household even though it states that we have joint custody with her mother being the primary caregiver. Years past I know my ex probably filed head of household and received the earned income credit even on the years that I claimed her as a dependent. I guess the difference is for the last three years I had her more plus her mom got married last year and can not file as head of household. What do you think?