Concerning Divorce

Paying for College
1

<p>I'm a college freshman about to begin filling out applications for transfer.</p>

<p>My parents recently separated with different permanent residences and have filed for divorce. The problem is that when they get their tax returns for 2007, the returns will still indicate married since the divorce did not occur until the end of the year.</p>

<p>Will colleges still consider my parents divorced? I live with my father and he provides all support. I know that for the fafsa I can just put in his information as my custodial parent, but when colleges ask for tax returns, will they consider the combined incomes of my parents since the tax returns for 2007 state that they are married?</p>

2

<p>FAFSA considers separated parents the same as divorced parents-- it considers only the income and assets of the custodial parent. </p>

<p>So fill out the form correctly, with only Dad's info. The college may not ask for the tax return for verification. If they do, I'd add a cover letter explaining that your parents are separated (and that they were separated when you completed the FAFSA) and that you live with your Dad, who supports you.</p>

<p>This isn't an unusual circumstance, unfortunately.</p>

3

<p>Okay, thank you!</p>