Divorced Parents- FASFA Help

<p>I know there have been lots of threads on FASFA and divorced parents but my situation is a little unique. My dad makes around $250-300k a year while my mom makes only $30k and doesn't own any property/assets.<br>
Can I file with my mother's income?
I have lived full time with her for almost 10 months and will continue to do so until I graduate. But my dad gives her child support each month, as well as paying my $10k private school tuition. </p>

<p>My father's income on face value is huge, but he has a lot of debt and 7 (!) mortgages to pay as well as high school and college tuition to pay. </p>

<p>Thanks so much for helping!</p>

<p>Unfortunately, your situation really isn’t unusual at all.</p>

<p>I think it’s a bit unusual but, for FAFSA, your mom is your custodial parent and you’ll report only her income/assets. That will include child support which falls under untaxed income. Your school tuition will also be reported but I think that’s reported as other income for the student, not the parent.</p>

<p>If you apply to any schools that require the CSS Profile and the NCP (non-custodial parent) supplement, then his income and assets will be reported there. Assets are reported at their net value, however, so any outstanding mortgages are reflected in the value. Really, it’s a choice he’s made (along with private HS tuitions) and most colleges don’t have unlimited funds to give so choose your target schools carefully!</p>

<p>For FAFSA purposes, you only use your MOM’s information as she is your custodial parent (as noted by the posters above). Yes…any money paid by your dad to your mom (child support, spousal support) is somehow reported on that FAFSA.</p>

<p>If your dad has SEVEN mortgages, it sounds like he owns a number of properties aside from his primary residence. IF you choose schools requiring his information via the Profile or school form…these will need to be reported as well as his income. </p>

<p>You say your dad has “college tuition to pay”…will he be contributing to YOUR college education costs?</p>

<p>Debt is not considered when computing the financial aid awards. Debt is considered a choice.</p>