Odd Parent Situation -- How should I go about this when filling out FAFSA and the Common App

Paying for College
1

<p>Hi! I am a senior in high school and just came to realize how complicated applications are when you have divorced or noncustodial parents!!</p>

<p>Alright so, my mother and step-father were married since I was about four years old and recently divorced this May or June. My step-father was my primary caretaker as I lived with him until very recently and can prove that I did. The thing is -- he never adopted me or had any custody of me.
My mother has custody of me, but does not financially support me. </p>

<p>Basically either parent can claim me on their taxes but one is not legally my parent.</p>

<p>The reason why having my step-father claim me would be advantageous is because he made about $30k and will have 3 people in the household so my EFC is about $350.</p>

<p>My mother made about $28k, but it's only a 2 person household on paper so my EFC is $875ish.</p>

<p>If I let my former step-dad claim me, since he is not my legal guardian would I also have to include my mother and her income on FAFSA and the Common App?</p>

<p>Would it be better in the long run to just have my mother claim me?</p>

<p>I am very confused and any help is much appreciated!!</p>

2

<p>This is actually very simple. Your mom is your parent for FAFSA purposes. Your step father is not relevant for FAFSA, and you cannot use his info no matter what. Just Mom’s income info goes on the FAFSA (along with yours, if you had any income).</p>

3

<p>Thank you so much!</p>

4

<p>Because of the divorce, your SF is no longer related to you. So, you can’t use his info on FAFSA. You have to use your mom’s.</p>