Navigating college financial aid can be confusing for any family but when parents are divorced or separated, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) adds another layer of complexity. The federal form determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work‑study programs, yet rules about which parent’s financial information to include can be especially unclear after a divorce. NJ Mediator is here to help New Jersey families understand how to fill out the FAFSA correctly, how divorce affects the application, and what you need to know so your student can maximize aid eligibility.
Why the FAFSA Process Changes After Divorce
Under federal FAFSA rules, if a student’s parents are divorced, separated, or never married and do not live together, only one parent’s financial information is required not both. This is a significant change from how many families thought the form worked in the past.
Previously, eligibility often depended on which parent the student lived with most, but current FAFSA guidelines say the parent who must contribute their financial details is the one who provided the most financial support over the past 12 months (regardless of custody or living arrangements).
For example, even if a student spends more nights with one parent, the parent who paid more toward food, housing, medical care, school costs, and other support may be the one whose financial data goes on the FAFSA.
If neither parent clearly provided more financial support than the other, the FAFSA rules say the parent with the higher income and assets should complete the application.
Who Counts as a “Parent” on the FAFSA?
For FAFSA purposes:
- Biological or adoptive parents count as parents.
- A stepparent must be included on the FAFSA if they’re legally married to the parent who is filing the form.
- Grandparents, legal guardians, or other relatives do not count as parents unless they have legally adopted the student.
Only the parent who qualifies under the “most financial support” rule and their spouse, if applicable submits financial information on the FAFSA.
Step‑by‑Step FAFSA Guidance for Divorced Families
1. Determine Which Parent Should File
Review your financial support history: the parent whose household paid more for the student’s needs in the past year should complete the FAFSA. This may not be the parent the student lives with most.
2. Gather Financial Records
That parent and their spouse (if remarried) should collect income taxes, bank statements, investment data, and documentation of any child support they received. The FAFSA will pull this information to determine the Student Aid Index (SAI) the figure colleges use to set aid eligibility.
3. Create an FSA ID
Both the student and the parent who will file must create their own Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) at StudentAid.gov. This ID is required to sign and submit the FAFSA online.
4. Complete and Submit the FAFSA
Once logged in, enter student information first, then the parent contributor’s financial information. Be sure to include stepparent data if applicable. Submit by the federal deadline (June 30) and also be mindful of earlier state or college deadlines.
Special Situations Divorced Families Should Know
What If Neither Parent Provided More Support?
If support was split 50/50, the parent with the higher income must complete the FAFSA.
What If the Parent Filing the FAFSA Has Remarried?
The stepparent’s income and assets must be included in the FAFSA form, even if they haven’t legally adopted the student.
What If Parents Still Live Together?
Even if divorced, living together counts as a single household, and FAFSA requires both parents’ information.
What If You Don’t Know Where Your Other Parent Is?
If a parent is not in contact or doesn’t provide financial support, FAFSA rules may still require you to report that parent’s basic information but there are options to request exemptions through college financial aid offices, especially for CSS Profile forms (used by many private institutions).
Differences in State Aid (NJFAMS)
In New Jersey, families applying for state grants also use NJFAMS, which may have different or additional requirements beyond the FAFSA. Accounting for both systems early can prevent delays in award processing.
Common Misconceptions and Tips
- “I can choose the parent that helps me get more aid.” – You cannot pick based on financial advantage; the FAFSA rules define who must file based on support provided or income level.
- Document everything. – Keeping clear records of support payments, shared expenses, and custody arrangements can help clarify who should file.
- Plan early. – Because FAFSA uses prior‑prior year tax data, timing your FAFSA submission with recent financial changes may require proactive planning.
How NJ Mediator Can Help
For divorced parents in New Jersey, disagreements about financial aid and college planning often overlap with broader co‑parenting conflicts. NJ Mediator supports families in communicating effectively, aligning expectations, and developing fair strategies not just for filling out the FAFSA but for planning college contributions, deadlines, and responsibilities collaboratively.
Mediation can help prevent misunderstandings, reduce conflict, and ensure both parents understand their roles in the financial aid process.
Final Insight
Filling out the FAFSA when you’re divorced may feel overwhelming, but understanding the rules especially who must complete the form and how financial support is assessed removes much of the uncertainty. With accurate information, clear communication, and thoughtful planning, divorced parents in New Jersey can successfully navigate the FAFSA and help their student access the financial aid they need.
For mediation support and to discuss complex issues like FAFSA completion and college planning after divorce, contact NJ Mediator where conflict resolution meets practical guidance for families.
