St. Charles College Expense Attorneys

College Expenses Lawyers Serving Kane County

These days, child support does not always end when a child turns 18. Under Illinois law, divorced parents may be required to contribute to college expenses for their non-minor children. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act has provided for support towards higher learning, and it has detailed the types of expenses that parents may assist with and the limits on these obligations.

At the Kane County family law firm of Goostree Law Group, we are experienced in handling child custody and child support in which college expenses may be a factor. We represent both mothers and fathers in these matters and all matters relating to divorce and family law.

Determining College Expenses Contributions in Kane County

Parents are not alone in their responsibility to contribute to college expenses. If the child who is going to college has access to assets (i.e. a college saving plan, inheritance from grandparents, or earned income), the child must also contribute. Additionally, any grants or scholarships the child wins are applied to tuition first. While each case is determined separately, courts may require parents to provide financial assistance and help cover the remaining college expenses. These expenses addressed in non-minor support can include:

• Tuition;
• Application fees;
• Room and board;
• Books;
• School fees and registration;
• Transportation costs;
• Health insurance;
• Medical costs;
• Dental costs; and
• Personal expenses.

The ability of each parent to contribute to these expenses is considered. For example, if one parent makes a significantly higher income or has more assets than the other, the court may order that parent to pay a greater amount (or all) of the college expenses. Under Illinois law, a stepparent's income and assets may also be considered when making determinations about college expenses. In general, the amount that parents may be required to contribute will not exceed the costs of tuition, room, and board and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for the same school year.

Parents' obligations to contribute to college expenses will only remain in effect until the child obtains a bachelor's degree, and there may be other stipulations as well. For example, the child must generally maintain a grade point average (GPA) equivalent to a "C" or higher for support to continue. Parents who are contributing to college expenses will typically have the right to access the child's academic records and grade reports.

Contact Our Kane County Child Support Attorneys for College Expenses

If you are involved in a dispute over college expenses, or you need assistance working out an arrangement that will ensure that your child receives the assistance needed to pursue a college education, contact us at 630-584-4800 to schedule a free consultation. One of our attorneys will examine the circumstances in your case and provide our experienced assessment of what you can expect from the process. There are time limits for petitioning for college expenses, so it is important to retain an attorney to assist you as soon as possible. We work with clients throughout Kane County and the surrounding counties in Northern Illinois.