<p>Thanks for the lengthy follow up. That is correct, FAFSA will not be filed until February, after the divorce is final. Parents currently live together and will be splitting up after the divorce, so I will be sure to get the decree.</p>
<p>That is good to know the schools will split the income from 2012 (and assets on date of FAFSA filing) accordingly. That was my main concern - if we file, could the school pull some type of shenanigan and make a professional judgement to limit the award due to the father’s income. Dad currently makes about $225k while mom made $6,000 last year and will make about $50-60k in 2013 from child support and spousal support (alimony). Obviously it will be better to file under mom (and ethically correct since kids will be with mom), but I was concerned the schools may make adjustments since 1)dad makes a good living and 2)the kids lived with both parents in 2012 even though they will be with mom greater than 50% of the time in 2013.</p>
<p>So to sum up, you think it will be ok to file under mom and they should get their award based on mom’s salary in 2012 as well as mom’s salary moving forward in additional years. I guess my concern is I understand the rules now, but do the schools always follow them?</p>
<p>Thanks for the in depth replies. This website is a tremendous resource.</p>