I’ve filled out the FASFA and since I was adopted at age 5, I sent in the adoption paperwork, as requested and now they’re requesting the“guardianship” documentation. Aren’t adoption and guardianship 2 different statuses? According to the court, they are.
My grandmother adopted me, but she is not well versed in any of this, so she is not able to help.
I’ve read a lot about being adopted through DCF after age 13, but I was adopted through DCF, way before that, so I don’t understand what documentation they’re asking for or how to get it.
I spoke with my mom and she’s thinking, maybe they’re looking for the DCF guardianship document. From what I understand, while my parents were fighting to retain custody, their court appointed lawyer, who coincidentally, work on the side of the State, as well, in these cases, convinced my parents, early on in the case, that it would be in their best interest, to sign over legs guardianship to DCF and work with them, (ie.“jump through their hoops). Doing this, they were told, was the easiest way to keep us.
Without going into my negative beliefs about the system, is that “guardianship” what they’re asking for? If so, would I get this from the DCF office?
I’m afraid I can’t help you with the answer to that. If no one on the board knows the answer, I would either reach out to DCF or the financial aid offices at the schools where you’re applying for more clarification. Best of luck to you.
Edited: I’m editing my response because I didn’t catch where you said you were five when you were adopted. You can only claim independent status as a current or former “ward of the court who was in foster care” if you were in foster care after you turned 13. Your grandmother is your parent if she legally adopted you. If you haven’t already, you should look at NASFAA Tips for Students in Unique Situations.
What state were you in foster care in? Many states have a tuition and fees waiver benefit for former foster children that can apply to any state university or community college. In my state, you get the tuition and fee waiver no matter how old you were when you left DCF care and got adopted.
I believe what they are wanting is a certified copy of the court order showing a state’s DCF (or here we call it CPS) had legal custody of you. Some states call that guardianship, some states call it being a ward of the state, some states call it conservatorship, some states call it custody. If you were adopted through DCF, that court order should exist. However, maybe your grandmother did not legally adopt you and got guardianship instead?
In your case, your adoptive parents are your parents for FAFSA & you are a dependent student. None of the dependency questions regarding custody or adoption apply to you. This is because of the age at which you were adopted. It sounds like you completed your FAFSA incorrectly. You should not have answered yes to questions about custody or adoption. You should update your FAFSA by saying no to those questions. You will be prompted for parent information, which will be information for your adoptive parents. It sounds like that’s your grandma (and grandpa, if he is living & if he and your grandma are currently married).