Legal Question in Family Law in New York

consent to childs college choice

My daughter wants to attend a certain college her father objects to her choice the divorce reads that he must consent to her choice but the consent may not be unreasonably withheld what is unreasonable?


Asked on 4/17/07, 1:36 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Phroska L. McAlister PHROSKA LEAKE McALISTER

Re: consent to childs college choice

What is "reasonable" or not, IS RELATIVE.

A NON Custodial Parent may "reasonably" object to a child's college choice, for reasons that include, but are not limited to: tuition, housing, transportation & other costs, college location, courses available, college environment & course suitability for child's demonstrated ability or interests; child's apparent reason for choice, objectionable to parent, child's failure or refusal to consider other suitable and appropriate options and so forth.

Thus, If daughter wants or needs father's financial contribution,for college, she needs to demonstrate concern and respect for father's ideas and feelings, about decisions, that affect him.

Therefore, daughter should "respectfully" discuss and negotiate with father, [for] what she wants or needs from him.

Daughter should also consider her father's suggestions, even while she petitions him to reconsider his position regarding her college choice.

Good luck,

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Answered on 4/17/07, 4:20 pm


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