<p>I am a mother of 2 children. One will be starting college in 2006 and other in 2007. My H and I are likely to get divorced. </p>
<p>When we applied for aid this year for Son#1, we were denied due to high EFC. My H has a job but I have been a homemaker all my life. I will get the custody of children. But I am concerned that the schools will be "doubtful" when my son#2 (and S#1) applies for aid next year. Any suggestion. I will have only alimony as the potential income. </p>
<p>What do I need to so to do insure I do have all the steps properly documented to avoid any issues. Without the aid, son#1 may have to drop out and I am not sure what son#2 will do.</p>
<p>Did anyone have similar situation? I have made same request on Parents forum also.</p>
<p>The Financial Aid officers have heard it all when it comes to divorce.</p>
<p>The FAFSA formula treats a separation the same as a divorce. On the day you file FAFSA, if you're separated, you file as "divorced/separated". You'll need to determine which parent is the 'custodial' parent of sons #1 and #1. That has little to do with biological parent status or legal custody-- but rather which parent the student lived with the most during the income year. </p>
<p>If you're the custodial parent, and if you're separated on FAFSA filing day (a date you have some latitude in choosing), then it's your financial information, assets and income, that the formula will use to calculate your Expected Family Contribution. If you're getting support from your husband, it will get counted as part of your income. The non-custodial parent's income and assets don't count in the formula.</p>
<p>The Profile is a bit different, and does ask some questions about the non-custodial parent. And a lot of the top schools that use the Profile will require the CSS Non-custodial Parent's Statement, and will consider their income and assets.</p>
<p>I'd keep track of the date of separation (if that happens), and any proof of that date, and plan on explaining the circumstances to the financial aid office if asked.</p>
<p>You'll have to have your ex fill out a nocustodial parent statement, which is <strong><em>ing *</em></strong>***. I hope whoever made the PROFILE dies.</p>