Non-custodial parent form.. how important is this?

<p>I've noticed that a lot of colleges ask for this form.. (if your parents are divorced, apparently they want the parent you DON'T live with to fill out a form about their financial status and whatnot)..</p>

<p>What if I'm estranged from my father and have no way of contacting him? (Plus, I doubt he would pay for any part of my tuition.) Do I just contact the college and tell them that I can't do it? Will I be forced to go through some huge hassle of explaining to each and every one of them why I can't get the form in? Is this really THAT important?</p>

<p>-_-</p>

<p>I'm just a bit stressed over this hoopla of fafsa/css crap. Thanks.</p>

<p>It is a stressful time, no doubt. The non-custodial parent form is considered a big deal by many colleges, especially private ones. Many will not consider students for aid if they do not have it, unless you can write them all some very convincing reasons that you cannot get the information. Call each aid office to see how to deal with this. It can be a hassle.</p>

<p>You need to talk to your GC about this one. She will know exactly what has to be done as this is, unfortunately, a very common situation. The way a school will consider the issue varies considerably. Some are adament that a both parents are responsible and if one does not give a fig, then the student is really in a corner. Others will just take the custodial parent info and give this a pass. It is a very unfair situation, and there are families that take advantage of the fact that colleges let this go so often. But to pursue it would hurt so many kids with deadbeat parents.</p>

<p>I contacted CMU Fin Aid office and they said to get a note written from your guidance counselor that you have not been in contact with your non-custodial parent and request for a waiver of non-custodial form.... I hope this helps....</p>