How are you handling the FAFSA and application timing?

My situation is a little unique; I have to write waivers for parental information for schools that require it of older students (it's a long story, we're not in touch, but I was never formally an emancipated minor.) Every school is a little different on what it wants and what kind of info, et cetera. It's a lot of additional work (they need letters from other people, et cetera) and I am unsure if I need to be working on that while I am also pulling everything else together for my main application. I am applying to schools that do seem to take need into account (Georgetown and Cornell as well as stretching to HY) and financial aid will be a huge part of my decision.

Anybody? Any ideas?