Student Loans and Emancipation in Washington

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10-16-2007, 09:53 PM
unclepain

Student Loans and Emancipation in Washington

My niece is 21 and has been living on her own since 18. She has been working 2 jobs and going to college. Her school loans are very high and interest rates are over the top because she can not get any help from her parents who are divorced. The lending institutions say if a parent or guardian will cosign she could cut costs tremendously. Neither parent will let her have tax info nor will they cosign. There have been many challenges for her over the last 20 years but this is the latest. Please advise
10-16-2007, 11:54 PM
cbg

Re: Is this a valid reason WA Emancipation

If she is 21 and living on her own she is legally emancipated already.
10-17-2007, 02:22 AM
Baystategirl

Re: Is this a valid reason WA Emancipation

Quote:

Quoting cbg

If she is 21 and living on her own she is legally emancipated already.

For FASFA legal emancipation happens at 24, the same age the a parent can no longer list you as a dependent on their taxes.
It really sucks when the parents won't disclose their income and the child is disqualified from federal aide...

OP, I know a woman on another forum that had this problem...I will check with her to see how she dealt with this issue.
10-17-2007, 03:18 AM
cbg

Re: Is this a valid reason WA Emancipation

Since my involvement was not required with regards to my stepkid's tuition I'm obviously not up on FASFA, but I question why a parent should be expected to help with the tuition of an adult child who is no longer living at home.
10-17-2007, 03:56 AM
Baystategirl

Re: Is this a valid reason WA Emancipation

Quote:

Quoting cbg

Since my involvement was not required with regards to my stepkid's tuition I'm obviously not up on FASFA, but I question why a parent should be expected to help with the tuition of an adult child who is no longer living at home.

I agree. I asked the same question and the answer I got was that the parent was able to use the "child" as a dependent on their taxes and that is the criteria they go by.
10-18-2007, 07:45 AM
unclepain

Re: Is this a valid reason WA Emancipation

Quote:

Quoting Baystategirl

I agree. I asked the same question and the answer I got was that the parent was able to use the "child" as a dependent on their taxes and that is the criteria they go by.

This is what we hear also but why can't she bring proof that they are not using her so she can get the help?
10-18-2007, 08:18 AM
aaron

Re: Is this a valid reason WA Emancipation

She can check with the college financial aid office to see what proof they would require of self-support in order to disregard the expectation of parental support.
10-18-2007, 10:00 AM
unclepain

Re: Student Loans and Emancipation in Washington

They said Eancipation is the only way.