I’m in South Carolina, and I’m curious about how custody orders can affect financial aid for school-age children. If a custody order states that the custodial parent is responsible for any extra educational expenses, like private school tuition, would the custodial parent have to include child support as income when applying for scholarships or financial aid? I know that for FAFSA, it’s encouraged to think ahead during divorce proceedings to maximize financial aid, but is it common to write orders that leave the noncustodial parent’s finances out of the picture? Is it acceptable to specify that the custodial parent wouldn’t include child support in tuition assistance applications? It feels dishonest, and I’m looking to see if anyone has experienced something similar.
You have to include both parents’ information for financial aid. Not doing so would be fraud.
Focus more on the state your child may attend college in. Financial aid rules vary.
Divorce decrees can’t override federal laws on financial aid. You can specify who pays for education, but not exclude income.
It seems like a loophole, trying to exclude noncustodial parent’s contributions. That’s not normal, right?
Child support is income and must be included. Lying on forms can have serious consequences.
FAFSA requires both parents’ info if they’re divorced. Not including it is dishonest.
A custody order can’t dictate outside agencies’ criteria. It’s better to encourage cooperation for financial aid.
The parent who claims the children on taxes that year is the one used for financial aid purposes.