Working together to secure financial aid for college

Catherine and Jason have been divorced for eight years. They have one child, who we’ll call “Crystal,” who is 16 and a junior in high school. Like many parents, they don’t feel like they’ve saved enough for their daughter to attend college. But, they’ve worked hard — primarily as individuals, rather than as a team — to accumulate as much money as possible, so that when Crystal graduates, she will do so without the burden of tremendous loans to repay.

“The less debt, the better,” Catherine says.

“Yeah,” Jason agrees, “especially if she attends grad school later, we don’t want her having to pay back a fortune.”

Crystal’s parents both work hard at their respective jobs, and, though they don’t communicate well, each credits the other with being a good parent who wants what is best for their daughter. When it comes to saving for college, Jason and Catherine seem to have a handle on the situation. For instance, both have been putting money away for several years. Grandparents have been chipping in as well.

But, they could be doing more to allow Crystal to get the best (highest) financial aid offer when the time comes to apply. To do so, improved communication and a willingness to cooperate will be needed.

For instance, when asked about which parent will assist Crystal in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, neither had an answer. Jason, in particular, had been convinced that they would both have to submit financial information, and was surprised to learn that, apparently, this is not the case when it comes to many schools.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is used by many colleges and universities to determine eligibility for federal, state, and college-sponsored financial aid, including grants, educational loans, and work-study programs.

But note that, while numerous colleges and universities rely on this particular application alone in regard to awarding aid, there are also schools that require an additional application for which both parents need to share financial data.

Catherine and Jason have a joint residential custody agreement, meaning that Crystal spends essentially the same amount of time with each parent.

Now, read the following from the form:

“If your parents are divorced or separated, answer the questions about the parent you lived with more during the past 12 months …” (emphasis added).

This language appears on the form under “Notes for Step Four, questions 59–94” (on page 9).

When parents are divorced, FAFSA asks about only one parent’s finances. Crystal, who lives roughly the same amount of time with each parent, could spend a little more time with either one of them. That parent would be the one that the application is interested in.

In other words, Crystal’s family would seem to have a choice as to which parent’s information is included; that is, if Mom and Dad can work together on this.

If both Jason and Catherine earn about the same income, and their other finances (assets, etc.) are similar, it probably won’t matter much which parent fills out the form.

But, let’s say that Catherine makes $150,000 and Jason $30,000. Then, it would make sense for Jason’s information to go on the application; since he earns less, the amount of aid awarded will probably be higher than if Catherine’s information is used.

Note that if a parent has remarried, information about the step-parent is required.

This example is just one that could be given. The bigger point is this: as divorced parents, we need to learn about how financial aid works and communicate with the other parent. By being informed and working together, we may make it possible for a child to borrow less for an education. And like an education, the benefits of having debt that is manageable can last a lifetime.

New York City and Long Island-based divorce mediator and collaborative divorce lawyer Lee Chabin helps clients end their relationships respectfully and without going to court. Contact him at lee_chabi‌n@lc-‌media‌te.com, (718) 229–6149, or go to lc-me‌diate.com/‌. Follow him on Facebook at www.faceb‌ook.com/‌lchab‌in.

Disclaimer: All material in this column is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

<div>Surrounded by 140 acres of natural beauty, Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts is the perfect place for your child to joyfully express their creativity. We offer 1, 4, and 8-week day camp programs for students K through 12. Classes are taught by exceptional educators and professional artists in music, art, theater, creative writing, chess, and more. Bus transportation is available from Long Island and NYC to our woodland campus in Wheatley Heights.<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Scholarships</strong></div> <div><br />We believe that every student who wants to attend Usdan should be able to. Usdan has offered need-based scholarships since our opening in 1968 and on average 45% of our campers received some kind of scholarship. We welcome you to apply.</div> <p> </p>

Queens College Summer Camp

<p>Running from Wednesday, June 28th through Tuesday, August 22nd, the Queens College Summer Camp continues to be the hallmark and cornerstone of the Athletics and Recreation Department and a staple of summer plans in the NYC metropolitan area. The camp, which has always followed New York State Board of Health guidelines, will conduct this summer's programs following current state guidelines, which follow CDC recommendations regarding COVID-19. The camp's outdoor and indoor activities include:</p> <ul type="disc"> <li>Pool use.</li> <li>Use of the new turf fields.</li> <li>Other facilities around Queens College Campus. </li> </ul> <p>Five specially designed programs are available for the 2023 season:</p> <ol start="1" type="1"> <li>The Education and Sports will have three hours of academics. The rest of the day will include sports activities on the fields and gym games. Indoor Gym Games include obstacle courses, scooter games, and a daily introduction to basketball and swimming for ages 5-6. The older kids will participate in group sports such as basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, softball, and swimming. The counselor will remain with the group through all activities, including lunch. Choose the Education Academy based on the grade they will enter in September.</li> <li>Theater Arts Programs provide instruction in singing, dancing, and acting, culminating in a performance. Past productions included Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, and more.</li> <li>All Day Sports Academy provides instruction for developing generalized skills across various sports.</li> <li>Single Specialty Sports Camps provide individualized volleyball instruction by the college's coaches and varsity players.</li> <li>Counselor-in-Training Program A unique program created for teenagers focused on developing strong leaders. It helps prepare young adults for the next phase in their lives-college and the workplace.</li> </ol> <p>With summer right around the corner, there is no better time to secure your child's plans for July and August by enrolling them in the Queens College Summer Camp.</p> <p>For more details, visit the Queens College Summer Camp homepage, or email  <a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected].<wbr />edu</a> for more information.</p>

Buck's Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp

<p>Buck’s Rock Camp is a freedom-of-choice creative and performing arts camp for teenagers ages 10 to 17. Every summer at Buck’s Rock is completely different. The campers who join us each year make the summer their own adventure, and the camp constantly evolves and changes to meet the needs of that year’s campers. So to answer the question “What is Buck’s Rock?” is simple: it is a safe space where young people can grow into whatever they want and need to be. </p> <p>The day at Buck’s Rock starts at 7:30am and ends at 10:15pm. What happens in between is as varied as our campers and as friendly as our beautiful campus. Every day at Buck’s Rock is different. What doesn’t change: our stunning pastoral setting, committed, professional counselors, and a camper-to-counselor ratio of 2:1.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Every day at Buck’s Rock is a new opportunity for self-discovery and creative expression. From the professionally-equipped studios and exciting performance spaces, to the state-of-the-art recording facilities and pool, campers are free to try anything and everything! Over 30 world-class programs await our artists every day, including everything from glassblowing to dance to painting to sketch comedy to radio to weaving to gardening and so much more!</p> <p> </p> <p>Many generations of Buck’s Rockers, including campers, their parents, and decades of dedicated staff make up our unique community. Just one summer at Buck’s Rock will make you a life-long member of our big, creative family. We can’t wait for you to join us!</p> <p> </p> <p>Tiered Tuition System based on gross annual income and household size; $0-$12,000</p> <p> </p> <p>Age: 10-17 years old</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>