What does it mean to be emancipated for college tuition purposes?

Question

I met a woman who told me her son got emancipated when he turned 18 so his parents' income would not play a role in obtaining financial aid. I thought once a child turns 18 he is automatically emancipated. Is this correct? Also, what other things must one consider before doing this? like would I be able to continue to cover him under my health insurance? We live in California but my son will go to college in Oregon.

Thanks!

Answer 1

When I read some questions on yahoo answers, I get a sick feeling in my stomach.  This is one of those questions, people trying to find "loopholes" in the system because they don't want to follow the laws and apparently their kids are too cheap to pay for their own education.

Being emancipated to get federal assistance for college is called fraud.  You would probably pay more in lawyer fees than what he might get in aid.  Just because a student is considered "independent" doesn't make him eligible for more grant money.  What it will get his is more loan money.  Not exactly a perk in my book.  Of course, going to an out of state college, he's going to need it.

Sorry.

Answer 2

This woman was mistaken. Emancipation has NOTHING to do with filling out the FAFSA or financial aid.

So if your son cannot answer yes to any of he following questions he is considered 'dependent for education purposes' and will need your information to fill out a fafsa:

Were you born before January 1, 1985 (question 48)?  



At the beginning of the school year 2008-2009 will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, or graduate certificate, etc.) (question 49)?

As of today are you married? (Answer "Yes" if you are separated, but not divorced.) (question 50)

Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you (question 51)?

Do you have dependents (other than children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2009 (question 52)?

Are (a) both of your parents deceased, or (b) are you (or were you until age 18) a ward or dependent of the court (question 53)?



Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training (question 54)?

Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces (question 55)

Answer 3

When you emancipate a person you cut off all ties to them. You won't continue supporting them at all. To do it you have to go through the courts. But, just so you know, if he's going to Oregon he's going to be paying a lot for out-of-state tuition because he won't be considered a resident.

When you're 18 you are legally emancipated but for financial aid purposes you are still considered a dependent of your parents.