So I’ve been doing some research on the FAFSA. My parents are not married and don’t live together, and I currently spend slightly more time at my dad’s house than my mom’s (generally 4 days w Dad and 3 w Mom). Mom makes a lot less than Dad.
I read that the parent you live with the most over the year before the FAFSA is the custodial parent and should fill out all the forms. Since I’m a junior, I deal with the FAFSA next year.
Is it acceptable to strategically spend more days at my mom’s house over the next year so she fills out the FAFSA and I benefit more? Or can I get in trouble doing that?
You might even keep a calendar of the nights at one house or the other… Nothing formal is needed, just jot them on the calendar and then you’ll have proof if you need it (you won’t, they’ll believe you).
However, be aware that most good financial aid schools require the CSS Profile in addition to FAFSA, and require financial information from both parents. When doing net price calculators at those schools, include both parents’ incomes and assets – using only one parent’s income and assets will result in an overly optimistic estimate.
Yes, that is a very good idea and OK to do. Keep documentation as twoinanddone suggests. If you apply to in-state state schools, they will usually only use the FAFSA.