How Can Divorce Affect My Child’s College Education?

 Posted on December 14, 2023 in Adoption

When any couple goes through a divorce, there are so many issues they need to figure out. When the couple also shares children, these issues are confounded. It is common to think about child-related issues in a divorce to revolve around matters like joint custody, where the child will sleep and when, who gets them for each holiday, who decides whether they can take karate, gymnastics or swimming, who they spend their summer vacation with, which parent gets to make medical-related decisions, and a ton of other questions that happen to be more relevant for discussions about young children.

The issue is that couples can get divorced at any stage in their life, and the timing of their divorce could impact issues that you might not have even considered. For example, if you are considering divorce and you have children who will soon be graduating high school, it could be helpful for you to speak with a knowledgeable DuPage County, IL, divorce lawyer. They can explain everything you need to think about to help you reach an agreement that will benefit your child and protect your rights.

How Can an Unhappy Couple Work Together to Cover Their Child’s College Expenses?

Years ago, couples going through a divorce knew that they would need to be financially interconnected (through child support mainly) until their youngest child turned 18 and was no longer a minor. However, Illinois courts are increasingly making parents in divorce proceedings include arrangements for paying for their children’s college degrees in divorce settlements.

Illinois courts will make these considerations based on several factors, including:

• The child’s success in school: Children of divorced parents are often required to keep a C average to maintain any rights to parental coverage of college expenses.
• What the child needs: school application fees, tuition per semester, dorm costs, textbook fees, meal plan fees, any furniture or school supplies, etc.
• The parents’ financial abilities: this is calculated based on each parent’s income and any assets they may have access to.
• The child’s financial access: If the child worked throughout high school or has other assets like a trust fund, this would affect the court’s decision to compel parents to cover the cost of their child’s college education.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Wheaton, IL, Divorce Lawyer

If you are a parent of a teenager and you are considering divorce, the idea of financing your child’s college education might be a source of stress. A compassionate DuPage County, IL, divorce attorney can help you formulate a plan. At Goostree Law Group, we help parents at all stages reach divorce settlements that protect their children’s interests as well as their own. Please call [[phone] to schedule a free consultation, and let us passionately advocate for your rights.