<p>The last post on the issue of how a child should indicate s/he has gay parents was in 2009. Just checking for any updates to following: In our state not only is gay marriage not recognized, neither is gay parent adoption. Consequently, I am the sole legal parent. We are separated but share custody (although this is not legally recognized) & financial support. We wonder if indication of us both as parents on Common App affects how we do or do not include the non-legal parent on financial aid forms (we're doing both FAFSA and Profile). Obviously, if we are both on the CommonApp that would enhance the diversity factor, but inclusion on the financial forms will be to our disadvantage in terms of total income available. Any insights welcome!</p>
<p>I think the applications are asking for the legal parent. If adoption and marriage are not recognized in your state, I would say your child should list just you as parent. Certainly on FAFSA (although I am new to FAFSA and just figuring this out myself as a legally separated parent). I would think one of the essays would be a good place to work in discussion of how your family works?</p>
<p>Thank you for your reply. This week the NY Times had a great article plus sidebars on this exact topic. The issues extend beyond gay parents and include single parents, never-married parents, and gay students. Here’s the link: <a href=“The New York Times - Breaking News, US News, World News and Videos”>The New York Times - Breaking News, US News, World News and Videos;
<p>Interesting questions. My opinion is that since the State doesn’t offer you the legal advantages of marriage, you should fill out the FAFSA with only the “legal” parent’s income. It seems to me it should be all or nothing with the government. I don’t know about the profile. It’s like a question for the Ethicist. :)</p>
<p>collcon thanks for that link, I learned a lot. Have to keep reminding myself that fafsa is the feds so of course legal marriage in a state has no bearing. (Except that my separation is only legal because my state recognizes it…) Anyway I’ve found out on cc that in all cases, only the custodial parent has to fill out the fafsa and the profile form will vary by school so that I think that is the only place you are going to have a real problem? (If the profile school wants noncustodial parent included. My kid is only applying to one profile school and they don’t want any info but the custodial parent.) Good luck.</p>