My husband and I are separating. I do not work and he has been paying for my daughter to go to college. We did not quality for any aid with FAFSA and she was awarded a small merit based scholarship. He just informed me that since we are separating, he has no intention of making the spring semester payment. Since I am not working, and she is my child, what do I do? I’m petrified that this will impact her spring semester and feel that I need to handle this now, just incase.
Thanks much!
You need to talk to your divorce lawyer ASAP.
He’s her stepfather? And you filed your FAFSA including his income? Contact the FA office of the school and file the change of circumstances forms. The FA office can (doesn’t have to) do an override and she might qualify for a Pell grant based on your income alone. They will want a lot of information, like whether you’ll get alimony or a settlement, if you are getting a job, other income sources.
She’ll also be eligible for loans.
My impression was this was the actual father.
Hoping the OP clarifies.
Any chance the OP could get a job to hejp pay college expenses?
Are there jointly held bank accounts? If so…get today’s balances. Is there a chance the husband will clean these out?
See your lawyer ASAP to find out how to best protect your financial interests. You also want to get college funding into your divorce agreement.
You say that this is “your child”. Does that mean she’s not his child?
Get the best divorce atty you can and find out what can be done.
<<<<
Are there jointly held bank accounts? If so…get today’s balances. Is there a chance the husband will clean these out?
<<<<
Yes, find out!!!
Also, not unusual in these circumstances for the employed spouse to suddenly cancel the SAHPs credit cards…so be aware.
This sounds like a payback.
If worse comes to worse, ask the school if she can take a leave of absence for spring semester and keep her merit for the following year. Then file FAFSA for 2018-19 school year with your new status