Hi! My parents split when I was a baby, never married, but they are married to other people now. They live in different counties and have 50/50 custody. I live with my mom, but my dad has equal claim/rights. I’ve always been told that I need to put my household for FAFSA, but I was recently told differently. I know that it does not matter which parent claims me on tax returns, but can I put either parent?
The parent with whom you lived the most in the last 365 days before you file. Sounds like it is your mother and stepfather.
You live with your mom, so you must put your mom and stepdad’s income. Besides, don’t you attend high school in the country where your mom lives?
@twoinanddone Thank you for your help!
@mom2collegekids county, not country, but yes. that’s what I told my counselor, but she was trying to say that it didn’t matter. Thank you!
For FAFSA, you will put your mom and her spouse on your FAFSA form, plus any spousal or child support you receive from your other parent.
The parent you live with the majority of the time for the year prior to the date you file your FAFSA is the parent (and spouse) that you use.
If you end up applying to schools that use the CSS Profile, your mom will complete the Profile, and your other parent will complete the non-custodial parent Profile if required.
Sorry for misreading counties/countries.
Your GC is wrong. It does matter. Sad that she’s misleading students.