So do we go back and change the FAFSA to the address and income for my now custodial parent instead of both parents? Is there any thing else we need to do? It’s too late to change this info on my college apps if that was listed anywhere. Those have all been submitted. What about the CSS Profile? Is there a need to go back and revise that as well? Are there deadlines for these kinds of changes too? Thanks for your help. As if waiting for college acceptances wasn’t stressful enough already.
The fafsa reflects your financial status on the day that you filed. On the day that you filed the FAFSA, your parents were married living in the same household. That is your status and how your package will be determined. You and your custodial parent will have the opportunity to ask for a financial review based on your situation.
For schools that use the CSS profile/non custodial profile, they may probably request the income and assets of both of your parents anyway.
Did one of your parents move out of your home?
Do any of your schools require NCP info?
Have you asked your parents how this new situation will affect their paying for your college? Will your NCP still help pay for college?
You may want to ask your custodial parent to have attorney put in some requirement that your NCP help pay for college.
Yes, one parent has moved out. I will speak to my parents further about their plan for college expenses going forward, but I was more concerned initially with having the FAFSA reflect the most accurate information. I know I can still make changes to it regarding my school choices but wasn’t sure about situation changes like this. Especially if they award based on the FAFSA info.
You cannot change the financial info on the FAFSA, but you may be able to file a change of circumstances with each college. Look for a form on the FA page. Fill out the form and provide the documents the school asks for. You can explain that your custodial parent and you now live at XX, that his/her income alone is $xx, and any other financial facts you think will help. It may be that your aid doesn’t change, but it’s worth a shot.
You should check out the requirements at each of the colleges where you are applying. The Financial Aid departments at every school have all run into a situation like this before - and they are there to help you. Yes, it is a busy time of year for them now through May, and the answers you get from them (based on FAFSA schools or CSS schools) may have some similarities, but they will understand your situation, and that for the vast majority of applicants, financial aid is a huge factor in your decision process.
Sorry to hear about your parents getting a divorce - it is never easy. On the bright side, I am heartened to hear that you are at least able to speak to both parents about their plan for college expenses going forward - there are too many divorce situations where the parents do not speak to each other, nor to their child.
Best of luck!
Thank you!
Yes, please talk to both parents. This is going to be a difficult situation for them because suddenly they’ll be paying for two households and also paying lawyers. Often, couples grossly underestimate how expensive divorce can be.
You need to know how all of this will affect you.