If the cost of children's college expenses are not agreed to in a divorce settlement, Illinois Divorce and Family Law provides for (children's) college education to be paid for by each parties (the parents of the child) "ability to pay".
Unfortunately, I am far too aware of many instances where fathers with abundant resources of income and assets want the mothers with limited income and assets, to pay for at least 50% of their children's college education. Given the cost, lengthy process and emotional anguish of litigation to prove ability to pay, most single mothers opt to struggle. They take on extra work if possible, dip into their limited assets and retirement funds, have children take out loans, etc.
While given the single mother's net income and assets, many families may qualify for financial aid. However, it is my understanding that both parents have to submit tax returns to apply for financial aid. Aid is generally turned down based on the father's income and does not take into consideration the single mother individually.
This is another situation where single mom's and children's lifestyles continue to go downhill after a divorce. They fall outside of the poverty level and do not qualify for aid or need based scholarships. Yet, their struggles are very real.
Does anyone have any experience with these issues? I'm interested in both ways to obtain financial aid or work within the lousy system.

I fall in that catagory my mom made to much for me to qualify for financial aid from the government. but I did find many scholarships for children of single parents that are not need based. It took long hours of searching the net and through scholarship and grant books to find them but they are out there. let me know if you need any help.

Shannon