Question:
I’m a child support Payor, paying child support pursuant to court order. My daughter is entering college. The Payee is seeking to modify the support order asking that I pay child support and college expenses at the same time. Is it standard for college expenses to be ordered simultaneous with child support being paid? Are there exceptions?
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Answer:
A court can order the payment of child support and college expenses. Child support is mandatory, college expenses are not. Whether that is ordered depends on the facts of each case. That being said, it is not uncommon for a court to order the parents to contribute to the cost of college. The amount ordered depends upon the parents’ resources and the cost of the college. A court can also reduce the payment of child support if a child is living away from home at college and the parent is contributing to the cost of room and board at school. However, that again depends on the particular facts of each case. It would be a good idea for you to meet with a local attorney to determine what your rights and responsibilities are on this issue.
Are you currently paying child support and are worried you will also have to contribute to college expenses? Let one of our child support attorneys help you.
This legal question was provided by Avvo and answered by Jean Mahserjian, an experienced Saratoga Child Support Attorney in Clifton Park. This does not consent an attorney client
