HOH really only works in these situations
1) you are not married but have dependents
2) you are married but have been separated for at least 6 months (and each state may have different rules that defines when the 6 months begins - in some states a judicial order begins the 6 month period).
for example, if you were legally married on 12/31/19 and you spouse walked out on you in late July, 2019 you are either married-joint or married-separate. HOH is not an option.
