<p>My ex has made a similar choice regarding new wife over kids – but that has not stopped me from continuing to approach him about what is in the kids’ best interest. Sometimes he responds and sometimes he doesn’t but I keep trying. I was pleasantly surprised when he offered some financial support for D2’s college (he didn’t help a bit for D1). We will see if he keeps the commitment he made for all four years for D2 (he did the first year), but who knows what the next 3 years will bring.</p>
<p>But as pointed out to you above, if your ex participates in the process at all for the CSS school he has to provide his tax returns. They will indicate that he is married, and the school will then expect his wife’s information to be included. You want to make sure he understands (1) the information they provide is completely private from you and your kid, (2) if he doesn’t provide it the school likely will not provide any need based aid for your kid, and (3) he is in no way obligating himself legally to pay whatever the school expects in family contribution by providing their information – but the school requires the information to decide if they (the school) will put any money into the pot for your kid’s education.</p>
<p>My suggestion is to try to get him through the process with that information. Once the school comes back with an FA offer, discuss it with him and ask if he can help with any of the family contribution portion. If he won’t, then you either need to shoulder it yourself or your son needs to go to a different school.</p>