Who is Responsible for a Child’s College Tuition When Divorcing

As a parent, one of your primary concerns in a divorce is making sure your children are provided for. Child support helps ensure they have what they need. However, college represents one of their biggest expenses. Who is responsible for a child’s college tuition costs when divorcing? In Illinois, both parents could be required to contribute toward this debt. 

Does Child Support in Illinois Cover College Tuition?

In cases of divorce, child support is one of the most important issues that is addressed. Both parents are required to contribute financially to the care of children under the age of 18. Factors the court considers in determining amounts include each parent’s individual income, who has primary custody, and the individual child’s needs. 

For children over the age of 18, does child support in Illinois cover college tuition? Under Section 513 of the Illinois Statutes, educational expenses for a minor child may be covered. This may include: 

• Up to five college applications and two standardized entrance examinations;
• One standardized college entrance examination preparatory course;
• College tuition and fees, provided they do not exceed in-state tuition and fees at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for the same academic year;
• On or off campus housing and a standard meal plan, against provided they do not exceed U of I costs;
• Reasonable living expenses during the academic year, including medical insurance and health care costs. 

How to Get Child Support for College Costs

College tuition costs at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign total up to nearly $20,000 per semester, in addition to books, housing, meal plans, and other fees. How do you get child support for college costs? This depends on the age of your child at the time of your divorce: 

• If the child is about to graduate high school and has firm plans to attend college or is already attending when the divorce is filed, these costs may be included as part of your child support order in a divorce. 
• If the child is significantly younger or has not otherwise made firm plans to go to college, the court is likely to consideWomen’s Divorce & Family Law Group by Haid and Teich, LLPr it premature to order college costs as part of your child support payments in divorce proceedings. However, you can go back at a later date and request a child support modification.  

Discuss Your Options With Our Chicago Child Support Attorneys

As a nationally recognized family law firm, the Women’s Divorce and Family Law Group is dedicated to helping parents get the financial support they need to provide for their children. This includes college tuition costs and associated fees. To discuss your options, call or contact our Chicago child support attorneys online and request a consultation today.