fafsa if parents are separated

Paying for College
1

<p>On this line of thought being discussed. What if parents are separated and each claim different states ( 2,000 miles apart) as their residence? This is my husband and my situation. We have been separated for 4 years, and have claimed different residences for 4 years. However, husband still contributes to daughter's needs ( will not for college though) . We have no plans of becoming legally divorced in the near future. We still file joint tax returns.Daughter has never resided with husband in his state, or even visited.</p>

<p>She is planning to apply to a fafsa only state school. Although we are not "legally" separated or divorced, clearly her residence is with me and I am the custodial parent. Will the fafsa ask if we are separated? Does it matter that we aren't legally separated and that the tax returns are joint?</p>

<p>I appreciate any input.</p>

2

<p>Federal regulations do allow separated parents to file as divorced/separated even if they are not legally separated. Maintaining separate residences in separate states sounds pretty separated to me. That said, if you are selected for verification, you will have to be able to convince the school’s financial aid officer that you truly are separated. The documentation required my vary by school. Also, for Profile purposes, both parents may be required to provide information.</p>

<p><a href=“http://ifap.ed.gov/fsahandbook/attachments/0910AVGCh2.pdf[/url]”>http://ifap.ed.gov/fsahandbook/attachments/0910AVGCh2.pdf&lt;/a&gt;. Page 31 of the pdf file.</p>

3

<p>thank-you. This is excellent help, and I see the similar threads below.</p>