My ex and I had 50/50 custody when the kids were in K-8. When each kid got to 9th we let them pick a home base. My oldest picked me. Because she lived with me, I provided more support so I filled out FAFSA with my info. She is at a FAFSA only school.
This year she’s a freshman. Her tuition, minus aid, is paid by a 529 that is owned by a relative of his. The money in the 529 comes from various sources, contributions we made when married, birthday and Christmas gifts from relatives on both sides, inheritance etc . . . That money probably 50% of her support. If you leave it out, I am probably paying more than 50%.
Who should fill out the FAFSA this year? I think me, but he thinks because the relative who owns the 529 is on his side the answer might be him.
The money from the relative doesn’t come into play, because you are considering only the money that the parents contributed. It sounds like are the one who should complete the FAFSA, based on what you have posted.
I’m pretty sure 529 plans owned by someone other than the parent or student are NOT included in FAFSA. It came up when discussing setting up grandparent 529s - it was part of the simplification: What is the 529 grandparent “loophole”? | Empower
529 accounts owned by a parent are considered assets of the parent who owns the account. Accounts owned by relatives are not considered, regardless of who might have contributed to them. Only actual support provided by a parent for the year in question is considered when determining which parent is the Parent Contributor. Federal Student Aid
I agree with kelsmom that it sounds like you are the contributor for this year…which is the last 12 months from the date you file FAFSA. Have you provided >50% of the financial support in the last 12 months? From the FSA link above:
