Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

are divorced parents required to pay for their childs collge education?


Asked on 1/27/10, 7:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Amir John Showrai The Pacific Law Firm, PLLC

Not necessarily. You'll hate this, but the answer is, "it depends." What does it depend on? Well, lots of facts that are specific to the case. For example, do the parents have any financial ability to help pay for post-secondary education (not just college, but trade schools as well)? If so, was there ever an understanding prior to the marriage going downhill, that they would pay for their child's tuition?

What about the child? Do they want to attend a post-secondary education? Is the child academically gifted or have they explained that they wish to go but need financial assistance to make it happen?

Bear in mind that in order to secure an order for post-secondary support, the matter needs to be brought before the Court prior to the child's 18th birthday or graduation from high school, whichever happens later. Otherwise, whichever parent seeks such an award may have forfeited that right all together.

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Answered on 2/01/10, 8:53 pm


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