Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

child support in college

Can I be forced to pay for half of my childs college education after she has turned 18? I have a college fund for her but it will not cover half of all expenses at a major university. Can the mother force me to pay for 1/2 of all expenses even if I believe a person should pay at least part of their own college expenses in order to make it more meaningful for them? Additionally, I have given the same amount for college to my other two children who live with me that I intend to give to this child. We do not have a divorce decree as we were never married. I have abided by all facets of our child custody agreement for all 16 years since the decree was implemented.


Asked on 5/07/07, 9:31 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: child support in college

In WA, generally the obligation to pay post-secondary (college) is determined by taking the tuition and expenses at UW, dividing that number by three and requiring the mother to pay a third, the father to pay a third, and the child to pay a third.

This can only be ordered so long as the request is made before the child turns 18 or the previous support order expires.

If the child is all ready 18 and the order has expired you cannot be required to pay more than the previous order required you to pay.

Go look at your order of child support and see what it says.

Hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell

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Answered on 5/07/07, 10:03 am


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