Many couples don't discuss their child's college expenses at the time of their divorce for two reasons. One, typically, courts have no jurisdiction over this and there is no requirement for parents to pay for their child's college education so many lawyers recommend leaving it out of the divorce agreement. 

Two, when getting everything else resolved has taken so much time and effort, who has the energy to discuss something that isn't required?

That could be a big mistake and at the very least, financial aid expert Paula Bishop says couples need to agree to meet and discuss financial aid before their child starts the application process. Not doing so, could make the cost of attending college significantly more for your child.

Listen in to this Conversation to learn the key points about financial aid including how to determine who is the custodial parent and the difference this makes.

Paula offers some key resources for how to pay for college without going broke at her website.

You'll find a synopsis of the show at Mandy's blog, Since My Divorce.