What is separation in Florida?

[sonia646]

I am filling out a FAFSA form to apply for financial aid for college and I need to provide my mother's marital status. My stepfather has not been living with us since January, but my parents have not filed any paperwork for divorce. The form I am filling out states, "A parent can be considered "separated" even if they are not legally separated. If the parents are considered separated by their home state (for example when one partner has left the household), they are considered separated for purposes of the application." I have read that Florida does not have legal separation, so I was wondering if Florida considers my parents, if they are no longer living together.

[mistoffolees]

Originally Posted by sonia646

I am filling out a FAFSA form to apply for financial aid for college and I need to provide my mother's marital status. My stepfather has not been living with us since January, but my parents have not filed any paperwork for divorce. The form I am filling out states, "A parent can be considered "separated" even if they are not legally separated. If the parents are considered separated by their home state (for example when one partner has left the household), they are considered separated for purposes of the application." I have read that Florida does not have legal separation, so I was wondering if Florida considers my parents, if they are no longer living together.

As the quote you provided states, they can be considered separated for FAFSA purposes even if they're not legally separated, so whether FL considers your parents to be separated is irrelevant to FAFSA.

If they meet the FAFSA requirements for 'separated', then list them that way. You also have to give a good faith answer. If, for example, the SF were out of the country for 4 months on work or military service but plans to return, you should not list them as separated, even if he is literally not living in the house.