<p>The parent forum suggested I post this problem in the financial aid forum specifically to swimcatsmom. </p>
<p>My son's non-custodial dad wants my son to use dad's too-low-to-believe income for the FAFSA. I know that this is not legit, but dad is a tax preparer and is very convincing and by playing with the nights son spends in each household he can almost get to 50%. He's misleading son.</p>
<p>Son does not want to disappoint either parent so he's stuck in the middle.</p>
<p>I know it's fraud and the penalties and I know FA is likely to ask for verification. Has anyone else run into a situation like this? </p>
<p>My only thought is if son does use his dad's numbers to call the financial aid office at the college where he will go and explain that I'm the custodial parent and that dad influenced son to say he is.</p>
<p>*My only thought is if son does use his dad’s numbers to call the financial aid office at the college where he will go and explain that I’m the custodial parent and that dad influenced son to say he is. *</p>
<p>I can understand your grave concern.</p>
<p>Is his dad willing to contribute to his son’s education? Or, has he come up with this ploy in hopes that his son will get such great aid that he won’t be expected to contribute?</p>
<p>You’re right to be concerned about verification. </p>
<p>If you call the school and tell them the truth (which is noble 
), will your ex use that as an excuse not to contribute any money? </p>
<p>I think it’s better to convince your son to do the right thing and put the honest numbers in there.</p>
<p>Thanks–I will. My son is trying to do the honest thing, it’s just that his dad is giving him bad information to support dad’s custody.</p>
<p>I don’t really expect his dad to pay for college as he hasn’t paid child support in 17 years!</p>
<p>I appreciate the input!</p>
<p>he hasn’t paid child support in 17 years</p>
<p>OMG!!! </p>
<p>Why is he involved with this FAFSA process anyway? He’s not the custodial parent.</p>
<p>I hope you get a judgement against him for back child support. Honestly!!!</p>