Case Study: Navigating College Costs For A Divorced Parent With A History Of Domestic Violence

Background

A single parent reached out to College Financial Prep after experiencing a difficult divorce that involved domestic violence. The family was in a challenging position as there was no relationship between the two parents, and the custodial parent was left struggling financially. Previously, while married, both parents had substantial incomes, but the divorce had drastically changed the financial situation of the custodial parent.

Financial Challenges

Despite the change in household circumstances, the financial aid process did not initially reflect the custodial parent’s new reality. The FAFSA and CSS Profile both required reporting the income from 2023—a year when both parents were still contributing to the household finances—making it appear as though the family had more financial resources than they currently did. Furthermore, there was no financial support from the other parent for college costs due to the lack of a relationship, which was supported by evidence in legal documents.

The Approach

College Financial Prep stepped in to guide the parent through this complex and stressful situation. We began by filing appeals and waiver requests with the colleges on behalf of the family, outlining the specific financial challenges they were now facing. Additionally, we completed financial aid applications, ensuring that the correct information was submitted and helped the parent address any discrepancies between past and present financial circumstances.

FAFSA & CSS Profile

One of the greatest challenges in this case was navigating the FAFSA and CSS Profile forms, both of which required the family to report income from a time when the financial situation was vastly different. Despite this, College Financial Prep worked diligently to provide context and advocate for the family's current financial situation. We emphasized that the household income no longer included contributions from the non-custodial parent, which was a significant factor affecting their ability to pay for college.

Scholarship and Grants

While this client didn’t apply for external scholarships or grants, College Financial Prep focused on helping them secure institutional aid directly from the colleges. We worked closely with the university to ensure that the family’s unique circumstances were considered when reviewing their financial aid package.

Emotional and Professional Support

In addition to financial guidance, College Financial Prep acted as a steady source of support throughout the entire process. Recognizing the emotional strain the parent was under, we provided hands-on assistance, walking them through each step with empathy and understanding. This personalized support was crucial in helping the client manage the complexities of college planning amid their challenging circumstances.

The Outcome

While the final outcome is still pending, we expect that the appeals and requests will result in significant savings on college costs. The combination of detailed financial documentation, legal evidence, and direct engagement with the colleges has positioned this family to receive substantial financial aid.

Lessons Learned

This case highlights the importance of not assuming that a high price tag for college will be unaffordable. Even when a family faces difficult personal circumstances, such as divorce and domestic violence, there are often pathways to financial support. Many colleges are willing to assist families once they fully understand their situation. It’s crucial to explore every option, file appeals when necessary, and work with a knowledgeable advocate to guide you through the process.

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Vicki Vollweiler
Founder of College Financial Prep
📍 College Financial Aid Expert | Divorce & College Planning Specialist
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