Does Texas Require Non-Custodial Parents to Contribute to College Education Funding or Support Minor Children in College?
Though there are no states that compel parents in a divorce to contribute to a minor child’s college education, about half give the court the authority to issue such an order. Where does Texas stand on the issue of divorce and college education or support? Can you ask the court in Texas to require that your ex help fund your child’s college years?
College Enrollment the Choice of Many High School Graduates
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly two of every three high school graduates will begin taking college classes in the fall after graduation. At a community college, students can expect to pay a little over $4,000 per year for tuition, books and fees. Most state colleges cost around $12,000 per year for residents and more than $25,000 for out-of-state students.
The Texas Approach to Divorce and College Education
In Texas, all child support legally ends when the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. Texas law does not give judges the legal authority to require that a parent contribute to or pay for any expenses related to higher education, including tuition, books, housing or other costs.
There is, however, nothing in Texas law to prevent parents in a divorce to voluntarily agree to some type of college funding plan. The parents may agree informally or they may seek to have the college funding agreement approved by the court and entered in as part of the final divorce decree. If they do, the agreement becomes a legally binding contract that may be enforced in a court of law.
Contact DTX Family Law for Sound Advice Regarding Possession of the Marital Home in a Texas Divorce
At DTX Family Law, we built our reputation and practice by focusing on the needs and best interests of our clients. We have an extensive knowledge and understanding of Texas divorce laws and procedures. We’ll carefully explain your rights and options, as well as your chances of success, so that you can make good decisions for you and your family. Chrysandra is board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an honor earned by less than one of every ten family law attorneys in the state. To schedule an appointment with a proven and effective Texas family lawyer, visit our website or call our offices at 940-566-0606.
Handling Divorce and Family Law Matters throughout Denton and the surrounding communities, including Denton, Collin, Wise, Tarrant and Cooke counties and the municipalities of Keller, Euless, Hurst, Colleyville, Bedford, Crowley, Lake Worth, Benbrook, Haslet, Saginaw, Watauga, Richland Hills, White Settlement, River Oaks, Forest Hill, Kennedale, Westover Hills, Lakeside, Pelican Bay and North Richland Hills