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Note that answers given in this section cannot take the place of independent, legal or financial advice. Please read our disclaimer.

"Will a judge decide the amount of the child support or can my spouse and I decide on the amount? What about college expenses? Can I change the amount once the settlement is finalized?"

It is best to come to an agreement before you go before a judge, since otherwise the judge will decide the amount for you. In deciding an acceptable amount, the state guidelines must be met but can also be exceeded. A Certified Financial Divorce Planner is a skilled negotiator and advocate who can give you the best chance for a more equitable settlement.

College costs should always be addressed in divorce settlements. I can suggest provisions for the divorce agreement that will state which parent pays for which expenses based on their ability to pay and also help ensure that the payments will be made.

It is important to include a re-evaluation provision in the original divorce agreement, allowing the settlement to be revisited at set times. If this provision is in place, I am able to analyze the settlement, taking into account current economic situations of each spouse and general market conditions, in order to renegotiate where necessary.

About the author of this Illinois Divorce FAQ:

Nicole Brucker is a Certified Financial Divorce Practitioner and the founder of The Sapient Solutions in Evanston, IL. She can be reached at (847) 866-6000. View her Divorce Magazine profile.