<p>Financial aid offices are not one bit interested in any parent’s intention of paying. Can’t be. Everyone would say there is no intention to pay. But the situation is unusual enough, and Wellesley has already made a commitment of sorts to you, so there is room for discussion and exception here.</p>
<p>“Neither does ANY other step parent or adoptive parent at this age. I don’t think financial aid is predicated on the adoptive dad’s intention of paying.”</p>
<p>Right…</p>
<p>But this situation is somewhat like the step-dad who then divorces the mom. FA offices don’t expect the step-dad to pay, nor do they use his income.</p>
<p>Maybe I’m reading too much between the lines, but it sounds like the bio mom had some serious issues (maybe drugs, alcohol, etc), and the younger sis (aunt) stepped in and rescued the 2 children. The uncle went along with this because who wants to see 2 kids in a bad situation. The mistake was the adoption; legal guardianship should have been pursued. It’s understandable that once the aunt and uncle divorced, that he’s not going to feel any obligation to pay for college…even though he adopted the kids 3 years ago.</p>