Chicago College Contribution Attorney
Who Pays for Your Child’s College Education?
Illinois is one of about a dozen states that may order a divorced parent to contribute to the college or vocational expenses of a child.
Annette Fernholz has argued before the Illinois Supreme Court on the issue of college contribution. This Illinois Supreme Court case was a seminal decision concerning the timing of when a parent could seek contribution to college expenses.
Under Illinois Law, a judge can order a divorced parent to contribute to the educational expenses of a child to cover the costs of college or professional training. The educational expenses may include:
- Housing expenses (capped at the cost of U of I Urbana-Champaign, except for good cause shown)
- Fees
- Tuition (capped at the cost of U of I Urbana-Champaign, except for good cause shown)
- Books and supplies
- Medical and dental expense, including insurance
- Reasonable living expenses
The Illinois Supreme Court has deemed college contribution to be in the nature of child support. Therefore, it is also subject to modification and termination. An obligation to pay for college expenses ends when a child earns a baccalaureate degree. A trial court will consider all relevant factors when ordering, modifying or terminating a parent’s contribution to college expenses including:
- The financial resources of the parties
- The standard of living the child would have enjoy had the marriage not dissolved
- The financial resources of the child
- The child’s academic performance
The Law Offices of Annette M. Fernholz can advise you on litigating the issue of college contribution for your children’s education. To schedule a consultation, contact the firm by calling (312) 683-0308 or send an email.