After reading all these responses, it seems like the safest approach is: 1. Have your students send contributor invitations to both parents 2. Create your own FSA ID account 3. Log in and see if it asks for any additional information Even if it's redundant, at least you'll know you've covered all your bases. The FAFSA changes this year have been so confusing for everyone!

Glad you got it sorted out! This thread is going to be so helpful for other parents dealing with the same confusion. The new FAFSA system really needs clearer communication about when both parents need accounts versus when one is sufficient. Your experience shows that creating the second account and going through the verification process is usually pretty quick once you have the contributor invitation. Thanks for sharing the update - it gives the rest of us confidence that even when the system seems broken, there's usually a straightforward solution!

ONE MORE THING!! Make sure both parents use THE EXACT SAME marital status in their sections! My ex put "Separated" while I put "Married" and it caused a conflict that froze the whole application. We had to call and get it fixed. Both need to select "Married" since you're not legally divorced even if filing separately.

Just wanted to add - make sure your parents know they can work on their sections simultaneously! I was worried they'd have to do it one at a time, but the system allows both parents to log in and complete their parts at the same time. This can really speed up the process if you have cooperative parents. Also, if either parent runs into technical issues with their FSA ID creation, they should try using a different browser or clearing their cache - that solved my mom's login problems.

Based on everything in this thread, here's a summary of your best options: 1. Keep the inheritance as a parent asset (5.64% assessment vs 20% for student assets) 2. Consider placing some in retirement accounts (0% assessment on FAFSA) 3. Use some for necessary household expenses before filing if that makes financial sense 4. If your state offers tax incentives for 529 contributions, consider that option knowing it still counts as a parent asset 5. Check specific policies for any schools requiring the CSS Profile Above all, be honest in your reporting. The penalties for misreporting on FAFSA can be severe.

I'm sorry for your loss, Elin. Going through financial planning while grieving is incredibly difficult. As someone who just went through the FAFSA process with my youngest, I want to echo what others have said - definitely keep that inheritance as a parent asset. The 20% vs 5.64% assessment rate difference is huge when you're already stretching every dollar. One additional thought: since you mentioned you're filing "for next year," make sure you understand the timing. The 2025-2026 FAFSA (for fall 2025 enrollment) will be based on your 2023 tax year income but current asset balances when you file. So you have some time to make strategic decisions about where to place these funds. The retirement account suggestion from others is really smart if you can afford to tie up some of the money long-term. Also, document everything about this inheritance - when you received it, from where, etc. Financial aid offices sometimes ask for clarification on large asset changes, and having clear documentation will make any conversations much smoother.

Just to clarify a few points: 1) Only the custodial parent completes the FAFSA (you, in this case), 2) Child support received DOES count as untaxed income on the FAFSA, but money your ex pays directly to the school is handled differently, 3) If you've remarried, your current spouse's information must be included regardless of their relationship to your son. The Direct2Student section of the FAFSA has a great worksheet specifically for divorced/separated parents that might help you organize the information before you start filling out the actual form.

I went through this exact situation two years ago! Since your son lives with you primarily and you're covering most expenses, you're definitely the custodial parent who should complete the FAFSA. One thing that helped me was keeping detailed records of all expenses I paid vs. what my ex contributed - made it much easier to determine the 50%+ support requirement and accurately report everything. The new FAFSA is actually much clearer about divorced parent situations than the old one was. Don't stress too much about it - sounds like you have a straightforward case where you're clearly the custodial parent.

You all have been SO helpful! I'm going to: 1. Complete the FAFSA with our current information 2. Have my son request a reduced schedule at his current job if possible 3. File for Professional Judgment reviews at each school 4. Use that Claimyr service to speak with someone directly about our options It's still frustrating that the system doesn't automatically account for these situations, but at least there's a path forward. Thank you everyone!

As someone who just went through this process with my own child, I want to add that timing is really important with the Professional Judgment appeals. Don't wait until the last minute to submit them! Some schools have deadlines for these requests, and processing can take several weeks. Also, be prepared to provide documentation like a resignation letter, last pay stub, and a statement explaining the circumstances. The more thorough your documentation, the better your chances of getting the adjustment approved. Your son is lucky to have such a supportive parent advocating for him!