<p>My parents have been separated for four years, and just finalized their divorce last year. However, they've been filing their tax forms jointly, and this year (2010) will be the first year my mom files her own tax documents. Since she has primary custody, what do I do? Do I use their joint 2009 tax form for FAFSA and CSS, or have her estimate her numbers for the 2010 tax forms?</p>
<p>For Fafsa you should only put your custodial parent (Mom). You can estimate for now and check “will file” then go back and correct later. The CSS you will also use your custodial parent info. Check the schools to see if they require the non-custodial profile (your Dad would file this) AND/OR if they have any school specific forms for financial aid. Some schools us the CSS and a school specific form for the non-custodial parent.</p>