If I am able to claim my child in odd years as a dependent on my tax return, said specifically in my divorce decree. What exactly does that mean? Odd years that I would file in, like this year for 2009 or odd years for the year I am filing for?

Very good question, made me think. I'm not sure but maybe I can help. I would either consult a lawyer, consult the court it was drawn from, or possibly talk with your ex about it and decide what that means between the two of you and put it in writing and both sign, each getting a copy. In most cases, the technicalities like that one can be agreed upon between ex husband and ex wife and will be legal as long as it is in writing. My personal example would be the custody agreement between my ex and I. We each have the kids every other holiday. We decided who went first amongst ourselves. It has not been a problem.

Even though we are in 2009, your are filing your return for 2008. If you get the ODD years and your ex gets the EVEN years, it is your EX's turn to claim the child.

As long as you coordinate with your ex to make sure she does not claim your child when you do, and vice versa, you should not have a problem.