<p>I am an independent student because I am under legal guardianship. I receive Social Security death benefits from my dad but both my guardianship and my money stop at 18 (June). </p>
<p>When a school is looking for "court papers" is that between custodial parents or should I file my legal guardianship papers?</p>
<p>For the CSS profile I put down $3000 student contribution for a summer job (which I don't yet have).</p>
<p>My legal guardian is entitled to take me as a deduction but is not, of course, legally responsible for my college education. So do I need to give them her tax return?</p>
<p>My biological mother is living but I have no idea where she is and that was all sworn to when I was appointed a legal guardian. Are colleges going to make me find her? (I'd rather not go to college than do that). My dad said she was always on welfare so I don't think she has any money anyway.</p>
<p>I'm so confused. None of the scenarios on the instructions seem to fit me. help if you can. Thanks.</p>
<p>The only information you will give is your own, since you are independent for financial aid purposes. It’s okay that your guardian uses you as a deduction; you will not need to submit her tax return.</p>
<p>The court papers the school needs refers to the paperwork from the court that gives your guardian legal guardianship. This would be from the COURT, not from any person. If your guardian does not have them, you should be able to obtain them from the court where your guardianship was granted.</p>
<p>What you need to remember is that you are being asked to complete ONLY the student sections. Ignore all parent questions. If you are asked to submit a tax return & you did not file one, that is not a problem. Contact the school to ask them what they want you to fill out, since you didn’t have to file a return.</p>
<p>Thank you. Both my FAFSA and CSS profile are at my first 10 schools. But when I went on some of the school fin aid sites, I was freaking out that I basically answered 0 to every question and they were looking for so much stuff. I feel calmer now, thanks.</p>