<p>I think the point we’re overlooking is that if the parents do not make sufficient money to pay for a “meet need” school, and the income is low enough that that the studen would have been given large institutional grants, the student will NOT be able to receive same unless the father submits the NCP form.</p>
<p>So while the op needs to plan for this possibility with schools that are a financial safety, they do need also need to find a way to convince the father to submit the form – just the NCP CSS – because without so doing there would be no chance to attend/receive a mostly-funded package. I realize it’s only the few ivies and a handful of privates that meet 100 percent of need, but it would be a shame if this student were
both capable of being accepted and eligible for generous funding to not
be able to attend over a piece of paper that would take dad about 10
minutes to fill out.</p>
<p>OP, you best shot at accessing nor of the 100% meets-need schools if you’re admitted is going to be to get that non-custodial form filled out, which means you need to convince your dad that the college board protects his privacy and that he too <em>may</em> benefit from doing it.</p>
<p>In my case, with my ex, who also initially refused to fill it out: I had little difficulty once he realized that he could in theory be required to contribute an enormous amount toward tuition and living expenses – but then again, my divorce stipulates that post-secondary education expenses are to be shared equally and that child support remains in place so long as my son is a student and is under the age of 23.</p>
<p>All of this will depend ultimately on which schools you’re accepted to and exactly how much money your parents both earn and the assets they possess – you also need to be aware that depending on the individual school and individual circumstances the outcomes could be very different, ranging from full funding according to their need formula to virtually nothing.</p>
<p>This is why it will be very important to keep a clear head and apply strategically to schools where yo might receive merit (eg not ivies, and places where you’re in the top of the applicant pool statistically), to affordable local options, to fafsa only schools, and then to the top ivies and private institutions with generous aid programs.</p>
<p>It’s easy to get sucked into the vortex of negativity around what folks “should” do, but it’s really important to keep a cool head and plan your success “despite” whatever parental support failures there might be. This is a great and defining time of your life and it’s ultimately on you to “cover” yourself so that you have a way to move forward and not get too distracted by the family disharmony.</p>
<p>And I am a bit familiar with the Uniform act which Chicago bear cites – he or she is dead on in his/her analysis, as your mom will ultimately hear from her lawyer. So please also realize that depending on how the fla agreement was written, you may not have legal grounds in Il to receive any educational expense support.</p>
<p>One further note – I will not ask you to elaborate on the broken arm if you do not want to publicly, but if there have been grounds of abuse that cause you fear in terms of dealing with your father and your lawyer cannot convince his lawyer and him to file the CSS NCP, preferably by oct., you can document these circumstances with third party verification to appeal to financial aid’s discretion whether or not the NCP is necessary/possible. There is a remote chance at some institutions they may take that into consideration – but it’s very remote, may make no difference, and really isn’t the place your focus should necessarily be. You can always ask fin aid fir guidance on this once you’re accepted.</p>
<p>Best wishes fir the best senior year and application process possible. We’ll be rooting for you!</p>