non custodial parent is not available...what should I do?

Paying for College
1

<p>My parents are still married but have been separated for almost 12 years. My mother has custody of my sisters and I and I know that even the non custodial parent is supposed to fill out the PROFILE. The only problem is that my father has not been in contact with us for almost all of the time my parents have been separated. He has not notified us of address changes, has not paid child support, etc. He's been completely absent. </p>

<p>The school I'm at now told me not to worry when I told them my situation. I'm applying to transfer now (financial reasons are a big part of it) and the school I want to attend says I still need to have my father fill out he PROFILE and send in his tax returns. I told them the situation and told me if I can get documentation from a third party that explains the contact we've had with my father then they will waive that requirement. The problem is...my mother and I have no idea who to ask for the documentation. We are not religious so a minister or whatever couldn't do it, we don't have a lawyer, etc. The only possiblity would be a close friend but I doubt that would really count. </p>

<p>I'm going to call tomorrow to tell them I'm having a hard time getting documentation but it's past the deadline and I need some advice as soon as possible. </p>

<p>What should I do? If I can't get the requirement waived I won't get FA and there is no way I can attend school without it. Is there someone else I could ask that I'm not thinking of?</p>

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<p>maybe a counselor or someone at the school you're currently at? when i was applying to college my college counselor wrote a letter for me explaining the same sort of thing.... if not, i would try a family friend, but like you said, that doesn't sound super legit</p>

3

<p>Set up an appt as soon as possible at your counseling center on campus where you presently are. Meet with a counselor and explain the situation. She/he should be able to help you. May even make a phone call for you. Good luck.</p>

4

<p>Ask the new school's financial aid office if a Dependency Override can be granted for your father's side of the issue. They'll know what that means. You'll have to explain all the details of your case.</p>

5

<p>Vossron- I've already talked to them about that and to get the override I need the documentation</p>

<p>sunshadow-that's a good idea, thanks. I think we get a certain number of free counseling sessions, too </p>

<p>if that doesn't work i'll just go to the financial aid office here like breckw suggested</p>

<p>thanks</p>

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<p>do you have any business type people that can attest to the lack of contact? Landlord, bank person, investment advisor? What about someone at your mother's work? Her boss/supervisor -- or someone inthe benefits department? Those type of people would have a bit more credibility than just a friend -- and due to their relationship with your mother, they might have knowledge of the lack of contact.</p>