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Ask the Divorced Guy!
by Dean Hughson
Title: College Support
Question:
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I have a friend who is an 18 year old child of divorced parents. Both parents
live in Illinois and the divorce was finalized in Illinois three years ago.
The mother has custody and receives child support on 5 children (the 18 year
old's child support just ended) and monthly "maintenance". My question is as
follows:
In the state of Illinois is there a law that states that the father must
provide some college financing? If so, what is the requirement?
This particular child is extremely bright and already has found a grant,
scholarships and work study to finance $16,000 of a $24,000 per year school.
The mother is not able or willing (depending on your opinion) to pay for any
out of her pocket.
Your advise and information is appreciated.
Answer:
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Part of your question you have answered for yourself it sounds like. If the
child support has ended it sounds like the jurisdiction his parents were
divorced in doesn't extend past 18.
There is a site at
http://www.lawinfo.com/law/il/cowell/ Explain to the attorney your question and he will probably answer the
question for you in terms of Illinois law.
I think you will find little sympathy most places. College is something that many people have to work their way through. I can sympathize in that my parents were divorced and didn't have the money anyway so I did myself. your friend probably needs to become best friends with the schools financial help staff to see what is possible. If he can't afford it there are some alternatives in cheaper schools. The reality in life is that some things we can afford and some we can't---has he tried talking to his father and asking for help? The direct approach is usually the best...if he tried to do it legally he could rupture any relationship he has with his parents.
Dean Hughson, called the Dear Abby of Divorced Dads by the KC Star, is the founder of the DIVORCE HOMEPAGE. He has talked to thousands of people contemplating divorce, going through divorce, or the chaos afterwards and gives referrals and advice. He resides in Nevada, the state with the highest divorce rate in the US.
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