DuPage County, IL family law attorneyWhen parents divorce or separate, one of the most pressing issues they typically face is how to provide for their children’s needs, including education. While child support normally ends when a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, Illinois courts may require a parent to contribute to college expenses. Depending on their financial situation, parents may wonder what will happen if they cannot afford to pay this significant fee. If you are dealing with this complex issue, an Illinois divorce lawyer can help protect your rights and work toward a fair resolution.

What Does Illinois Law Say About Paying for College Expenses?

Under state law, Section 513 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act allows courts to order parents to contribute to the educational expenses of their non-minor children. This obligation is separate from standard child support and can include: