Child College Expenses
Of the many matters that soon-to-be-former couples must decide as they commence divorce proceedings is the issue of financing higher education for their children. The College Board has reported an annual increase in tuition of 2.4% beyond inflation among private four-year colleges and a 3.5% annual increase beyond inflation among public four-year schools between 2006 and 2016, and with post-secondary education expenses expected to continue to rise over the next several decades, financing college tuition is a worry that all parents face. In the video below, family law attorney Randy Gugino explains child college expenses, and how parents going through a divorce can expect to contribute financially to their children’s education.
College expenses for a couple’s children is a common issue, as the parties have to decide whether they will both pay tuition even though they are getting a divorce. The courts will generally take into consideration a number of different factors. There are some cases in which a couple has had three children, two of whom have already graduated from college—with both parents footing the two tuition bills—and in these cases, the parents will likely pay for the third child’s college expenses as well. In situations in which both parents have attended college and received degrees, the courts are also likely to demand that both parents pay college expenses for all their children. For the most part, though, the issue of financing college does not become as heated as other matters so long as both parents are contributing and the college is public. It is always important to keep the non-custodial parent emotionally invested in the lives of the children, as that parent will want to contribute more if there is a substantial investment.
If you are considering or have gone through a divorce and have questions about child college expenses, contact The Law Office of Randy H. Gugino for a confidential consultation.
The Law Office of Randy H. Gugino has provided comprehensive legal services to clients in the Buffalo region and throughout Western New York for more than 30 years. Our clients receive the support of an award-winning legal professional who truly cares about their case — and a staff of highly trained paralegals and assistants dedicated to detail and committed to achieving results. Let our experience work for you!
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