<p>My parents are currently seperated but getting a divorce so assets are tied up in court. Dad makes over $250k, Mom doesn’t work. Dad is saying that he can afford about $15k - $20k for school but that leaves me short of the $30k tuition. I am not sure what my best options are currently and does it make a difference in financial aid if they are divorced?</p>
<p>I don’t know, but when you find out, can you give me a shout? Similar situation </p>
<p>Sent from my Desire HD using CC App</p>
<p>But i need help for my school will u please help me.</p>
<p>The answer: it sucks to be you. I’m in the same situation. You need to go to a cheap in state public, somewhere where you get a lot of merit aid, or take on a huge amount of debt (Don’t do that to yourself, please). </p>
<p>Or go to a local CC if it’s too late and transfer later. </p>
<p>Life ain’t fair. Sorry. </p>
<p>I’m not sure, but there may be some cases where they only look at the household you live in. If that’s your mom, you may be okay. I’m confused–are you in college or a high school senior?</p>
<p>First, everything depends at what state YOU the child had lived the last six months before the papers were filed for child custody/suport at the family and probation court. The resolution of marriage/spousal support and the child custody/support are two different actions, even though they are done together since usually a parent files for divorce at the same state that the child lives. It does not matter if you have turned 18 as for states that require child support after 18 yrs old you will be a “minor.” If you are going at a school out of state it does not matter as your domicile is where your house is-with whom ever parent has custody. Again, depending on the state, the non-custodian parent may also have to contribute for college tuition. For example, MA requires child support+medical insurance+tuition until the child becomes 22 yrs old. FL terminates child support when the child becomes 18 yrs old. </p>
<p>There are no assets tied up in court. It just has not been any final determination either among the spouses, or ordered by the court, on how the assets will be divided. However, your mother can petition the court to get temporary spousal support, as well as temporary child support, especially if you are a minor. Then the divorce proceedings can take as long as it takes to be finalized and the support orders to be finalized. She should definitely petition ASAP to get physical custody so if you apply for a school that only asks for FAFSA in determining financial aid award, they only take into consideration the custodial parent’s income/assets. Any top LAC/university will require a non-custodial parent profile and will take your father’s income under consideration. With a $250k income for the non-custodial parent, you are not going to get any need based financial aid by any school. Your option is to apply to a school where you will be the top dog on campus so you will get merit aid, or apply to a public school instate.</p>
<p>Really everything depends in what state you live. That’s what will determine what your dad will be ordered to pay, not what he is willing to pay. Unless you live in a state that does not require any payment after 18. Search for State x “child support guidelines calculator” and read what he is required to pay for your support or not.</p>