Can I switch parents on FAFSA after ex-husband started but abandoned the form?

For the 2025-2026 FAFSA, the parent who provides more financial support to the student should be the one completing the parent section. If that's you, then yes, you should be the one filling it out - it's not a red flag. However, I'd recommend starting a completely new application rather than trying to modify the existing one your ex started. This creates a clean record and avoids any confusion. Just make sure you have your FSA ID ready and all the necessary tax documents from 2023. When you complete it, you'll need to indicate that you provide more than 50% of the student's financial support. Document everything in case verification is required later.

My cousins ex tried this exact same thing!!! FAFSA is soooo confusing with divorced parents. But dont the rules say its supposed to be whoever the kid lives with most of the time?? Thats what I thought.

As someone who went thru this EXACT situation, starting a fresh application is 100% the way to go. Your ex abandoning the form midway is actually common - happened in my case too. Just make absolutely SURE you can document that you provide more support - save receipts for EVERYTHING (groceries, school supplies, medical copays, clothes, etc) because if you get flagged for verification, you'll need to prove it. And with an ex who sounds manipulative, better to be overprepared.

The 2025-2026 FAFSA has specific rules for divorced/separated parents. The parent who provided more than 50% of the student's financial support in the past 12 months should complete the form. Important points to consider: 1. You need to be able to document that you provide more support if questioned 2. Support includes more than just child support - housing, food, medical care, clothing, etc. 3. Start a new application entirely rather than modifying the one he started 4. Document any informal support arrangements If your ex refuses to provide financial information despite legally being required to contribute, you may need to submit a special circumstances form to your child's financial aid office.

I'm going through literally this exact situation rn and it's a NIGHTMARE reaching anyone at Federal Student Aid to get clear answers!!! Been on hold for HOURS multiple times this week. My ex is playing games with our daughter's college future too.

Financial aid counselor here. Switching who completes the parent portion mid-application isn't inherently a red flag, but starting a new application is cleaner. For the 2025-2026 FAFSA, here's what you need to know: - The parent who provides more than 50% of financial support should complete the form - Financial support includes housing, food, medical expenses, clothing, etc. (not just child support) - If your student lives with you more than 50% of the time AND you provide more financial support, you are clearly the appropriate parent to file - Document all support you provide in case of verification Since there may be tension with your ex, I strongly recommend keeping detailed records of all expenses related to your child, as verification requests for divorced parent situations are common.

BE CAREFUL!!! Make sure you're calculating "support" correctly. My ex made this HUGE issue when I did FAFSA for our son. The finaid office told us they look at TOTAL financial resources contributed, not just who pays for what directly. So if your ex makes way more but pays less directly for your kid, they might still count HIM as providing more "support" depending on custody arrangements. The whole system is stupid and punishes the more involved parent sometimes.

lol its actually kinda genius of ur ex if he knows what hes doing. if hes higher income and does the FAFSA ur kid will get less aid. if u do it with lower income they might get more. maybe hes actually trying to help? just saying its possible

Update: I called my child's prospective college financial aid office, and they recommended I start a completely new FAFSA application as the contributing parent. They said it's better than trying to modify his abandoned application. They also suggested I keep all receipts and documentation showing I provide most of the support (housing, food, clothing, etc.) in case we get selected for verification. Apparently, this situation is pretty common with divorced parents. Thanks everyone for the advice!