Legal Question in Family Law in Indiana

college expenses

BELOW is the reply to another 'college expense' question. I would like to know how and why this can be. If it is not a LAW for married people to pay for college, why can divorced people be forced to pay? One answer I got was that kids come first...even if you can't pay your heat bill and have to file bankruptcy....but that's not the case if you come from a non-divorced family?? I agree that kids should come first and have for 19 years-and would still like to help, but to be FORCED to...to the point of loosing everything you have...which isn't much...when there is financial aid out there to help them if they were emancipated?...and already living on their own with a job?

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Reply: Generally, divorced parents are responsible for costs up to the first college degree or vocational eductaion but not advanced degrees and programs. However, parents not divorced can choose whether they wish to invest their money in their child's education.


Asked on 3/13/03, 9:56 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Samuel Hasler Samuel Hasler

Re: college expenses

Intact families have not voluntarily let the courts supervise the support of the kids. Divorced families come within the power of the courts and the courts have to enforce the divorce statutes. The General Assmebly has determined that kids from divorced families should be supported if they want to go school after high school (not necessarily college) and that this statute can be enforced through the courts. Bottom line to your question: the General Assembly has made it the law and any changes neeed to go through the General Assembly.

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Answered on 3/15/03, 9:51 am


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