Many professions now require a college education, and college tuition seems to increase yearly. This makes it impossible for many divorced parents to send their children to college. The question of who pays college tuition may arise between you and your ex-spouse.
One of these questions is whether child support payments include college costs. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. There are a few situations that you should consider when it comes to divorce and college tuition.
Child support and college tuition
In California, child support does not continue after your child finishes high school, turns 18 or, if they are still in high school, turns 19. This means that no, standard child support does not cover the cost of college tuition. Fortunately, there are some exceptions to this.
Child support through college
If the tuition is in the support agreement or a modification to your agreement, then college tuition and support may continue. If the agreement says that child support continues through college, the non-custodial parent still pays child support.
Tuition in the support agreement
Sometimes a support agreement will stipulate who, if anyone, pays for your child’s college tuition. Both parents often pay equal portions of the tuition, room and board and meals. You could also divide it so that one person pays all expenses. You can stipulate any division of college expenses in the support agreement.
Even if you have a very young child when you divorce, you need to consider that child’s future when developing your parenting plan or support agreement.