Divorced or separated parents generally have to share parental rights and responsibilities. They divide parenting time and legal authority over their children. They also both typically have a degree of financial responsibility for their children.
The parent who has less parenting time might pay child support. Even in a 50-50 custody arrangement, a parent with a significantly higher income may need to pay support to ensure a consistent standard of living for the children. Raising children to adulthood can be incredibly costly, especially when parents must maintain two separate households.
College tuition can easily be the most significant financial investment parents make for their children. Can a parent receiving child support petition the courts to continue the support order through the college years?
Support usually can’t cover college costs
Some states recognize that young adults who have just turned 18 are still largely dependent on their parents. These states allow for child support to continue into the early 20s in special cases, including the child’s full-time enrollment in college.
Unfortunately, the current system in Maryland does not allow for child support during college. Typically, child support ends when a young adult turns 18. It can continue until the child turns 19 if they have not yet graduated from high school.
The courts do not typically extend child support through the college years. Even if they did, the amount of support ordered would very likely fall far short of a reasonable share of college costs.
Parents can agree to share college costs
While divorced parents may find themselves disagreeing about most issues, they typically still want what is best for their children. They may be able to negotiate an arrangement that allows them to split the costs of college in a fair manner.
Each parent may agree to cover a specific portion of the overall costs or to provide a specific amount of money per semester. Those preparing to divorce or separate with college-bound children in the home may need help planning to ensure that the end of their marriage does not disrupt their children’s educational plans.
Discussing financial concerns and family plans with a skilled legal team can help people as they navigate child support challenges and other custody-related issues. Although child support doesn’t typically help people pay for college, parents can still arrange to cover college expenses jointly when they separate or divorce.
