The FAFSA doesn’t require income and asset info from the non custodial parent…BUT there are no FAFSA only schools that meet full need…none. The closest is University of Chicago, but even that school has a short form of its own that asks about NCPs.
Also, there are a large number of Profile schools that do not require the non-custodial parent Profile…at all.
However, the most generous schools in terms of need based aid require both custodial and non-custodial parent information.
@thumper1 I meant that ex spouse refused to provide information so there would be a gap if I was the only one paying. He declined paying for college and stopped any support completely. High school counselor told us not to consider any CSS profile schools because they would consider 3 incomes when the bills would be supported by one income. So unfortunately we only considered instate publics.
@rackut…your GC gave you incomplete advice…and I want to dispel that here. There are about 300 Profile schools. A very large number…maybe half…do NOT require the non-custodial parent Profile form.
Here is a list of schools that use the Profile and whether or not they require the noncustodial form or the IDOC https://profileonline.collegeboard.org/prf/PXRemotePartInstitutionServlet/PXRemotePartInstitutionServlet.srv
Thanks thumper1. Daughter is happy where she is as we have great state schools. She wants to graduate debt free and save the money for grad school. She applied for scholarships and most of the costs are covered. Counselor was not helpful but seriously it worked out for the best. She got into an honors program, got research opportunities the location is a great place for internships. She did well her first year in engineering. Now she doesn’t want to transfer.
I do know of one. Albright in PA.
http://www.albright.edu/admit/Institutional-Estimator.pdf
Albright College has a form of its own in addition to the FAFSA. It is not a FAFSA only school. But it does meet full need. You can use either that form or the Profile.
The school does not require info from the non-custodial parent.
I see that. We sent the CSS simply because it was ready for other schools, but no NCP form was required. D received a nice FA pkg from Albright but actually not the best one, which came from a school that did require the NCP but simply has more money.
Does a 529 get split between parents? Can the divorce decree require both contribute to the 529?
I’m also trying to convince her to include regular parental counseling as part of the agreement.
It’s my impression that in my state, at least, the divorcing parties can put just about anything in their divorce agreement, as long as it is not unfair to the children. However, whether any particular provision will be enforceable depends mostly on the parties. My sister waived child support for her almost-18-year-old son; she told me her ex wouldn’t have paid. She did, on my suggestion, put a provision in the agreement that she and her ex would cooperate in the college financial aid process. And the ex, who is the NCP, did so.
Re #100
Didn’t Chicago stop requiring NCP information?
For California residents only, the state schools in California use only FAFSA and have good aid. Not sure if there are other states that are similar with their state school aid.
Another place for students with uncooperative parents to look for college money is merit scholarships.
As noted elsewhere, “meet full need” can be a weaker claim than it sounds, due to how the school defines “need”.
Chicago no longer requires the Profile…or the NCP Profile. Chicago does have a short form of their own…my understanding is it asks a little about NCP.
Just seeing this thread. 'Im trying to tie up loose ends around a divorce and it’s just never simple. Emotionally and financially. OP you sound like a good friend.
I really don’t know what to do but listen and look through links as specific to the situation (which is unusual) as I can. Just sent Parent 2 some counseling links, especially places that have phone counseling by professionals and allow “solo counseling”.
It all seems unreal, to me even. I still try to support Parent 1 in any way I can, because both parents are going to have to continue a parenting relationship for at least 13 years due to the kids’ ages.
My heart goes out to you rom828, and anyone else going through this. It’s clear that it is a 24/7 process, even after a divorce…
I was in our public library today and I checked out a book that I thought would be useful to me (for managing older years, etc) but it has section on separation, divorce, child support “On Your Case A comprehensive, Compassionate and only slightly bossy Legal Guide for Every Stage of a Woman’s Life” by Lisa Green (Lawyer and TV Legal Analyst). I also saw a book written by a therapist “Will I ever be free of you?” - about narcissism (which I do think affects many people who seek out other relationships while married, or do things to end a marriage because of ‘their needs and wants’ above spouse and family. If you type in women and divorce on amazon, there are a lot of books written. Another title that caught my eye “Runaway Husband”.
Bingo. Everything points to narcissism/lack of empathy. Last episode was remembering vicious fights that never happened. I am hoping I will not have to go to court as a witness to some of this, because I feel really sad when one person has such wrong memories of the other. I am a close friend, and Parent 2 had been frustrated and confused about Parent 1 for a long time, but never hated Parent 1 (and is trying not to now after word of the divorce).
Is it possible to require individual counseling as part of a divorce decree?
My recommendation was to require both to go to parental counseling as part of the divorce decree.
Does one parent have memory problem?
Individual counseling is personal. You can’t think your expectations of how another should change will be accomplished in his or her own private sessions. Each goes in and discusses from his own perspective, to find understanding and grounding or correct the issues you perceive with your own reactions. It’s often about how to deal with what you can’t change.
Does your friend have an appointment set up with an attorney? As a friend, all you can do is hold a hand and be supportive. You can’t navigate her through the process. At some points, I even think it’s wrong to try to be the advice giver, when it’s matters you aren’t trained in.
Works full-time and sole custody 5 days per week, so hasn’t had time to see an attorney yet. Hopefully this week.
I’d probably crack and take family leave and not try to go on with my job as if I’m not going through a family crisis. But I haven’t told them that. This is like finding out about a terminal illness; their lives will be changed forever.
Post #118 @rhandco I understand your feelings completely. The mother must be really stressed and overwhelmed with all that is going on but would also be worried about losing her job in this situation. (financial security) I personally took a short leave of absence from work and my boss was very understanding. I had lost about 20 lbs. in about two weeks. It may get to a point where she may not be able to focus on work. She will probably be taking time off from work for visits to her attorney or court appearances. I am sure she is grateful for your moral support. Your support is giving her strength to wake up each morning and face each day.