@vanvalen This website: https://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/what-income-is-listed-on-the-fafsa-when-separated-parents-file-a-joint-tax-return
says that “An informal separation can count as a separation for federal student aid purposes. In an informal separation, one parent has left the household indefinitely.” My dad doesn’t even file taxes in the US since he hasn’t lived here for close to a decade and is also not included in my mom’s in any way (and I’m not listed in his taxes in Mexico, either).
@austinmshauri yeahh my goal is to graduate without (or with minimal) debt, but even my state school costs more than what my EFC would probably be with my dad’s income and they don’t meet full need so either way I might have to borrow.