FAFSA Information Reported in a Divorce Situation

Issue/Question

What parent's information is reported on the FAFSA in a divorce situation?

Environment

• FAFSA
• Financial Aid

Resolution

In this situation, how you fill out the FAFSA depends on whether your parents live together or not. 

Note: Keep in mind the following when reading this article:

• For FAFSA purposes, your married parents are separated if they are considered legally separated by a state, or if they are legally married but have chosen to live separate lives, including living in separate households, as though they were not married
• When two married persons live as a married couple but are separate by physical distance (or have separate households), they are considered married for FAFSA purposes

1. Divorced or Separated Parents Who Do Not Live Together:
   • If your parents are divorced or separated and don't live together
     • answer the questions about the parent with whom you lived with more during the past 12 months, regardless of which parent claimed you as an exemption for tax purposes
   • If you lived the same amount of time with each divorced or separated parent
     • give answers about the parent who provided more financial support during the past 12 months or during the most recent 12 months that you actually received support from a parent
        
2. Divorced or Separated Parents Who Live Together:
   • If your parents live together
     • you'll indicate their marital status as Unmarried and both parents living together, and
     • you will answer questions about both of them on the FAFSA
   • If your parents live together,
     • you'll indicate their marital status as Married or remarried (NOT "Divorced or separated"), and
     • you will answer questions about both of them on the FAFSA

More information can be at Student Aid Information

Please contact Financial Aid if you need further assistance