<p>Jester, as a Michigan business owner and tax payer, I was also quite peeved at my s’s residency issue and having to “prove” the severance of ties. At first, I even considered filing a complaint with the ACLU as I felt my legal status was being challenged and that my s. was being treated unfairly as a result. I will warn you, however, that U of M has had legal challenges over this and continues to be successful in upholding its policy – and, I have to eat crow here – rightfully so : ). In retrospect, I eventually came around to their way of thinking once I discovered just how many students attempt to fraudulently claim in-state tuition. There really is no other way to control this phenom when it is a world-class school that admits 1/3rd of its population from out of state or country. It also receives a paltry 7% of its operating budget from the state of Michigan, so it truly cannot afford out of state students to claim in-state tuition.
Just make sure you present a crystal clear, well organized set of documentation with a cover letter outlining the evidence you’re submitting (and label each). Treat it the way you would treat a submission to Immigration and you’ll be fine. Include copies of absolute proof of residency, taxes, custody agreement, school records, address history (re: education) etc.</p>