<p>I just want to assure OP and others like her that she does have options – and that a waiver of the non-custodial parent data is definitely in the realm of possibilities, given certain extreme and pervasive circumstances, whether or not the non-custodial parent is paying child support.</p>
<p>I’ve noticed that people often tie child support into their answers. Child support is a different subject. And the OPs asking the questions need to know that.</p>
<p>People in OP’s position are worried that their children will be at an unnecessary disadvantage (again) while applying to colleges just because the children’s father/mother is not in contact, is not permitted to be in contact, or is so irrationally disagreeable that he/she will not cooperate with the process. Children who have had this kind of parent in their lives have often encountered enough obstacles. My aim is to let them know that the college process does not have to entail more unreasonable limitations.</p>
<p>Not every disagreeable, unreasonable ex-couple can avoid filing their NCP paperwork. Most can’t avoid it. Those of you with somewhat extreme, explainable, documented circumstances can expect colleges to work with you, whether or not you’ve been collecting child support.</p>
<p>One option would be to hire a private investigator to locate the non-custodial parent. There are various ways to locate people. Very few people have the knowhow and inclination to do what it takes to avoid being found. Thus, a PI should be able to obtain this individual’s contact information.</p>
<p>In many cases, someone’s contact information can be found in databases. Many of these databases are unavailable to the public but accessible to PI’s and lawyers. In this case, it shouldn’t cost more than a few hundred dollars. Even if leg work is necessary, it might pay for itself.</p>
<p>Note that you should only work with PI’s who are completely above board in how they operate. Some shady PI’s use techniques that are legal gray areas at best. If the non-custodial parent’s contact information isn’t obtained in a completely lawful manner, using it might cause problems later on.</p>
<p>Is there any chance your non-custodial parent would be interested in being part of your life again if you were able to get back in touch with them? It has happened. It’s worth a shot.</p>
<p>Failing that, the non-custodial parent’s contact information would allow them to be served with process, which is the first step towards getting them to comply with legal processes. This is useful in case your state requires the parent to contribute to college costs after age 18. It’s also likely that you could collect the child support payments which should have been paid in the first place. Obviously, this would help with college costs.</p>
<p>Don’t be shy about asking your non-custodial parent to do their job as a parent. It’s not just about the money. They should have been part of your life all along.</p>