Paying for college is a major financial undertaking, and many divorced parents wonder if Illinois law requires them to contribute. The short answer is yes. Illinois courts can order parents to help cover their child’s college costs after divorce, but that does not necessarily mean they will. To learn more about how this might impact your finances, speak with a DuPage County, IL divorce attorney about your specific situation.
What Does Illinois Law Say About College Expenses After Divorce?
Illinois is one of the few states where courts can order divorced parents to contribute to their child’s college education. As of September 2025, judges continue to have the authority to allocate expenses related to post-secondary education under Section 513 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5/513. These expenses can include: