Full question:
What is the law on child support while the child attends college?
- Category: Divorce
- Subcategory: Child Support
- Date:
- State: Illinois
Answer:
In Illinois, child support obligations can extend to children who are attending college. According to 750 ILCS 5/505, the court can order parents to pay a reasonable amount for a child's support, which includes their physical, mental, and emotional health needs. A 'child' is defined as anyone under age eighteen or under age nineteen who is still in high school.
Furthermore, under 750 ILCS 5/513, the court may also provide for the educational expenses of children who have reached the age of majority. This includes support for college expenses, which can encompass tuition, room and board, transportation, books, and other necessary fees. The court can order these expenses to be paid directly to the child, the parents, or the educational institution.
It's important to note that the obligation to pay for educational expenses ends once the child receives a baccalaureate degree, unless the child is mentally or physically disabled and not otherwise emancipated. When determining support amounts, the court will consider various factors, such as the financial resources of both parents and the child’s academic performance.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.