CSS Non-custodial parent question

<p>My ex informs that as non-custodial parent I must provide financial information for this profile, and I note there are questions related to my current spouse's finances. I know his income as we file a joint tax return, and I believe he has retirement assets and a few investments. But as this is his separate property and he will not disclose the information requested of the non-custodial parent, I have otherwise no access to it. I know only that he will receive social security benefits. Before marriage we agreed to keep all separate assets separate, be responsible for our own kids, any related "baggage from past", etc. </p>

<p>My own assets are slim and I am near retirement, so can't help with my daughter's college costs. I can disclose what I have, but how do I complete the questionaire with regard to my current spouse?</p>

<p>First, if he’ll fill out the non-custodial parent form he should know that you will not have access to that information… if that is his issue.</p>

<p>Second, if he won’t fill it out at all, then you’ll have to contact the individual colleges and ask them about getting a non-custodial parent waiver. They will have their own procedures for applying for this. Some will be more accomodating than others, but it is totally at their discretion.</p>

<p>I’m also remarried and if my sons had applied to Profile schools, my husband’s income and assets would have been required. We also have the understanding that all assets are separate, we’re responsible for our own kids, etc. But there’s really no way around the fact that the non-custodial Profile requires both parent and step-parent (non-custodial parent + spouse) income and assets to be reported.</p>

<p>You say you already have income information, so you can include that. What you’re missing is asset information? If your spouse is not willing to share this information with you directly, perhaps you can fill out the online form as completely as you can, and then ask him to log in to add his information to yours?</p>

<p>Colleges use non-custodial information in different ways. Some will underweight the income/assets of the bio-parents’ current spouses, so that their overall impact to financial aid is minimized. If your husband is concerned that he will be expected to contribute to your child’s college costs as a result of adding his financial information to the Profile form, this is something that you can assure him won’t happen (according to your pre-marital agreement).</p>

<p>Bottom line is that his financial information needs to be included in order for the non-custodial Profile to be complete. If your ex is remarried, his spouse’s information would likewise be included on the custodial parent form.</p>

<p>Thank you both for your thoughts. Husband advises he has no retirement or investment assets. I can’t verify this information as any accounts which he might have would be listed in his name only. And as I have never seen any documentation, either there is none or the statements go to his place of work. I can only report on the profile what I know.</p>

<p>I’m surprised that remarried people who chose to keep all assets separate don’t have prenups. Those make both parties list their separate assets. Though I don’t believe colleges recognize prenups, and would therefore expect your husband to declare his assets. Since he has none, he shouldn’t mind.</p>

<p>No pre-nup here, but we just redid our wills and revocable trusts, and made sure all beneficiaries were correctly identified so everything is in order financially. I wouldn’t marry someone who wouldn’t disclose all assets and liabilities in the first place. It’s an issue of trust for me, but obviously not everyone feels the same.</p>