The court may require contributions from either or both parent(s) or the estate of a deceased parent.
Filing Timeframe
With respect to college expenses, the court is allowed to compel contribution towards the cost of up to five (5) college applications, the cost of one (1) ACT or SAT prep course, and the cost of two (2) standardized college entrance examinations. Thus, it will be necessary to file an action for contribution much earlier in the child’s high school career. The court can only order a contribution retroactive to the date of filing. As a result, it might be beneficial to include provisions regarding FAFSA, standardized test issues, and college applications in the original Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage. However, parents may want to reserve putting such a provision in the original Judgment if their children are not yet in school or are only in elementary school at the time of divorce.
Type of College Expenses
Tuition, fees, housing expenses (room & board), books, transportation, health insurance & other medical/dental expenses, but interestingly does not mention dues or registration. The amount of required contribution to tuition, housing expenses, and fees shall not exceed the rates for an in-state student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (U of I). Housing expenses shall be the cost of a double-occupancy student room, with a standard meal plan in a residence hall operated by the U of I.
Duration of College Expenses Contribution
Contributions of College Expenses continue until one of the following occurs:
(1) The child fails to maintain a cumulative C average (exception: illness or other good cause);
(2) The child reaches 23 years of age (exception: contribution may continue until the child reaches 25 years of age if the reason for the delay in attending college is serving in the military, incarceration, or becoming pregnant);
(3) The child achieves a baccalaureate degree; or
(4) The child gets married.
If you (or someone you know) need a divorce attorney in Bloomington, IL, contact the family law firm of Koth Gregory & Nieminski at 309-828-5090. Let us ease your burden and be your advocate.
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