Special Circumstances for Married Students and Students with Children

Students with special circumstances or questions about the policies that govern how we determine financial aid eligibility for married students and students with dependents should speak with their Financial Aid Officer. We recognize that the financial demands of supporting a family become particularly evident in the course of pursuing a law degree and we are committed to working with you to help you understand the financing of your education.

Below is additional information about how several special circumstances may affect a student’s eligibility for financial aid:

  • Getting married

    INCOME

    If a student is married during the academic year, SFS will use any income from the spouse as of the date of marriage. Additionally, the spousal income protections used will be prorated based on the date of marriage.

    ASSETS

    If an HLS student marries during his or her studies here, we ask that all assets (student’s and spouse’s) are re-reported. Since it is our policy not to award additional aid on the basis of marital status, we will not lower asset amounts on the basis of marriage.

    If a student is married during the academic year, we will pro-rate any financial package adjustments based on the month that the marriage takes place (i.e., 5 months single + 7 months married = full year package.)

  • Having a child within the academic year

    STUDENT BUDGET

    If your child is born after June 1 of the academic year, the standard budget increases for the child will be prorated based on the birth date of the child.

    SPOUSAL INCOME PROTECTIONS

    If your child is born after June 1 of the academic year, the spousal income protections that are impacted by the child will be prorated based on the birth date of the child.

  • Divorce

    If a student is in the process or becomes legally divorced during their time at HLS, please reach out to SFS to discuss the impact on your financial aid. You will need to bring information about the date of the finalized divorce, the official division of assets, and any other relevant information.

  • Self-employed spouse

    We understand that predicting income for a spouse who is self-employed may be challenging. We ask that when you and your spouse are completing the Student Application and Student Application Update forms that you do your best to estimate the most likely scenario for the year.

    SFS has a process called the Married Follow-Up process which takes place in the spring of every academic year. For students who have spouses with an unpredictable income, we will reach out in the early spring semester to confirm all previously submitted income information. Then, if necessary, there may be an adjustment to your financial aid. We encourage you to reach out to your financial aid counselor with any questions about this process.