FAFSA preparation and updated rules for divorced parents

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process is approaching, with the 2027-28 cycle scheduled to open on October 1, 2026. Students and families are encouraged to prepare in advance by creating Federal Student Aid (FSA) IDs and gathering necessary financial documentation, such as 2025 federal income tax information.

Recent changes to FAFSA simplification have altered how financial information is reported for divorced or separated parents. Under current rules, the parent who provided more than 50 percent of the student’s financial support during the previous 12 months must be the one to provide their information on the form. This may differ from previous rules that relied on the student's primary residence or custody schedule. Factors such as alimony and child support payments are considered when determining which parent provided the majority of financial support.