Am I an independent?

Applying to College
1

<p>My father divorced my mother when I was young so I didn't really know him. He lives in Texas now with a new family. Raised by a single mother. She passed away during my sophomore year of high school. My older brother became my legal guardian.</p>

2

<p>I’m sorry for your loss. The FAFSA definition for independence is:</p>

<p>You must meet at least one of the following seven criteria to be declared an independent student for the purposes of the FAFSA:</p>

<pre><code>* Be 24 years of age or older by December 31 of the award year;

  • Be an orphan (both parents deceased), ward of the court, or was a ward of the court until the age of 18;
  • Be a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States;
  • Be a graduate or professional student;
  • Be a married individual;
  • Have legal dependents other than a spouse;
  • Be a student for whom a financial aid administrator makes a documented determination of independence by reason of other unusual circumstances.
    </code></pre>

<p>[FAFSA</a> and the Independent Student - Fastweb](<a href=“Federal Financial Aid and the FAFSA Independent Student | Fastweb”>Federal Financial Aid and the FAFSA Independent Student | Fastweb)</p>

<p>If you were considered a ward of the court when your brother adopted you then you would be independent.</p>

3

<p>He didn’t become my legal guardian by the court system. He knew my father wouldn’t take me and my siblings back, so he just became my guardian…</p>