These and other differences in family situations could cause two students to receive different amounts of financial aid. I live with my grandparents, who are my legal guardians. The definition will no longer allow the automatic inclusion of a legal guardian as parent. A student whose parents are deceased will be considered independent regardless of any legal guardianship. Forms will be available from the guidance counselor's office at your high school.
Forms are also available from the college financial aid office.
You must check with the financial aid office at the college you are planning to attend to make certain you have completed all the forms they require and that you meet whatever deadline they may have for submitting those forms. You may obtain a form earlier to prepare for completing it, but you must not sign or send it in before January 1, 2001. The time between application and response varies depending upon your college's policies. Call your college financial aid office for more information. I'm going to attend.