<p>My husband and I live in one state. I plan to attend school in another state where I need to have established residency for one year in order to qualify for state tuition. If I move to the state where the school is located and establish residency during the next 12 months by changing driver's license, voter's registration, and physical location, and we file taxes separately, can I be considered a resident of my school's state (even though we are still married and he lives in our old state)? Or do we have to get divorced before I can legally begin establishing residency in my school's state? The difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees is huge. Thanks.</p>
<p>I’m confused. Are you asking how to break or get around the laws?</p>
<p>The last time I checked, it was not illegal for married couples to live in separate states if their professional and personal lives (for example, caring for an elderly relative) demanded such a separation. I simply wish to clarify the impact of such a separation on my residency status with regard to tuition and fees.</p>
<p>It would be best to check with the state in question. I would think that as an independent student that it is *your *state of residency that is important (unlike a dependent student whose residency depends on the parent). So if you live in the state for whatever period the state requires and and are self supporting I would *think *you would be classified as a resident. But that is purely an opinion. You should check with the state in question.</p>
<p>Thanks: will do.</p>
<p>You will probably have to establish your residency in the new state a year BEFORE you start attending college there. Most states do not allow you to establish residency WHILE you are attending college.</p>
<p>Your taxes are a whole other issue. They will be tricky. You will be filing as a resident of one state, and your husband as a resident of another state. This CAN happen (and you are right…there is no law that says you can’t live in separate states…or even countries).</p>
<p>Thanks very much.</p>