<p>I do see your point about step-parents and all...but I would really call into question the step-parents lack of concern about the child's education. When I was younger, my step-fathers always took it upon themselves as one of their new duties to care forme and my siblings. They chose to marry a woman who had children already...therefore, as one of my step-fathers explained: He not only married my mother, he "married" her children as well.</p>
<p>Those of us who are in FA are extremely sensitive about issues where it appears that someone is attempting to "hide" assets that are available to the child. It is one thing, IMO, when the child is dealing with a dead-beat parent...it is quite another to have a parent with a LOT of money try to get need-based aid for their child. And while I am not prepared to pass judgment on the OP....I really don't know his intentions....I think any time a discussion like this is started, someone needs to remind others that deliberately attempting to hide assets is considered fraud and can hurt all parties involved.</p>
<p>As a parent, I worry that people who abuse the system may jeopardize my children's chances at receiving need-based aid in the future. As a step-child, I shirk at step-parents trying to get around helping their children become successful members of society.</p>
<p>I do feel for those caught between a rock and a hard place...those are the ones who pay the price in the long run.</p>
<p>Yes, it's a difficult thing to see every situation as unique. I know of several steps (and almost married one!) who are so financially obligated to their own children and ex's that a $100K income is not even close to enough - they're often already paying to maintain 2 households, medical expenses for everyone, alimony, taxes, etc. and trying to save a little for their own golden years! If the step's own kids are younger and the step is bound to provide for their education by terms of the divorce, it's pretty tough to commit to providing college funds for other kids, especially if the new marraige occurs when those kids are close to college age! Imagine the stress that can place on a new marraige! Anyway, in my experience, it's not that they don't "care" about the stepkids, or want to help them out, but financially they simply have to fulfill their other moral and legal obligations. Several people I know who remarried with kids on both sides had an clear understanding about this going in - only to find out too late that FAFSA doesn't consider agreements that are otherwise legally binding! Apparently lawyers are not very knowledgeable about FA!</p>
<p>Unfortunately, most outside of FA aren't very knowledgeable...and many of us within FA are almost as confused as those on the outside. The regulations keep changing and additional "clarifications" are made by the DOE that make it difficult to keep track.</p>
<p>NikkiL, I remarried last year. It never dawned on either my husband nor me that he would be considered responsible for the cost of educating my son. My H does a good bit of tending -- cooking dinner, fetching kid from school, making sure kid eats when he gets home from school -- but H wasn't looking to be a dad. My ex is an active participant in raising our spawn, and I'm certain spawn would say that one dad is plenty!</p>
<p>I don't see it as H's job to help MY child become a successful member of society; that's my ex's and my job. Obviously, I don't want him to hinder the process, but responsible for it? Not in my eyes.</p>
<p>owlice, the concept is not so much that the step's money is now available to the child for college. I think the concept is more that the step's money is now available to support the parent, and therefore, more of the parent's money is now available to the child for college.</p>
<p>
[quote]
they're often already paying to maintain 2 households, medical expenses for everyone, alimony, taxes, etc.
[/quote]
It is my impression (and correct me if I'm wrong, Nikki) that these factors are considered in determining need - don't the forms ask for other children being supported, and whether those children live in the household and elsewhere?</p>
<p>(Of course, that doesn't mean that the calculations then done are fair, or reasonable in the real world. But I can tell you that even for parents married to each other, the calculations are truly bizarre in determining what the parents can "afford" to spend on college!)</p>
<p>I broke up with someone because he wanted to marry me. I told him there was no way that could happen until after my son was out of college. His income would have increased the EFC way beyond the amount that I would have 'saved' by having a husband (and he had no intention of giving me that extra $$ in cash). He didn't want to live together.</p>
<p>You are correct. The Worksheet ABC section of the FAFSA records money paid by the household for child support. The AGI question takes into consideration money paid out in alimony (alimony is deducted from the return of the payer before the AGI is calculated). Medical expenses are taken into consideration on the taxes paid question (for those who itemize their deductions).</p>
<p>And you are also correct that the calculations can be truly bizarre for married couples who have never divorced. However, one suggestion that may help...talk to the FA Offices and ask them to explain how they USE the EFC figure to determine their awards. This question can be asked even before the school receives the FAFSA or school application...making it easier to determine if you can afford the gap. I have had many students and parents question how I use the EFC figure and I always explain the process, which is quite different than many other schools, as we have a large number of non-traditional students enrolled in our nn-term program. When I atended college for my Associates Degree, I asked the same question of their FA Office and even requested information on how they determine total Cost of Attendance. </p>
<p>I can't say that every school will truly want to explain this information, but my personal opinion is that if they are not willing to be TOTALLY honest, then they don't deserve ANY of my money..but that is just MHO.</p>