How will my Domestic Partner affect financial aid

[swimcatsmom]

<p>According to FAFSA if the parents are living together in a state that recognizes common law marriage then you would have to report income/assets the same as any other married couple
from [Completing</a> the FAFSA 08-09/The Application Questions(46-47)](<a href=“http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/completing_fafsa/2009_2010/ques3-5.html]Completing”>http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/completing_fafsa/2009_2010/ques3-5.html)</p>

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If your parents are living together and have not been formally married but meet the criteria in their state for a common-law marriage, they should report their status as married on the application. If the state does not consider their situation to be a common-law marriage, then you should follow the rules for divorced parents. Check with the appropriate state agency concerning the definition of a common-law marriage.

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<p>I am not sure how the same situation where the partner is not the parent would be treated. I had thought is would be the same as a stepparent but am not sure from reading the rules. Hopefully Nikkil or kelsmom (who are financial aid officers in real life) will see this and chime in.</p>