<p>Although living together does not mean you are considered married for tax or other government purposes, if you get an annullment or separate the same year you are going for financial aid or other program where it is beneficial to have that change in status, you are going to get a thorough looky see that will be a pain in the neck. </p>
<p>Many of us, myself included would be better off in tax situations if we filed for separation. In our case, we could split the kids as exemptions and each get a great tax break. If H gave me only enough in support to meet PELL standards. we would get about $5k per kid in college plus subsidized Stafford loans. The same would apply to many married couples.</p>