Are parents responsible for paying for college?

The short answer is, parents whose marriage is intact are not legally obligated to pay for their child’s college. When it comes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Department of Education assumes that a dependent student will have the financial support of his or her parents.

Which parent pays for college?

That means parents have no legal obligation to pay for their child’s college education — with one exception. If the parents are divorced and the divorce agreement includes paying college costs, one or both parents are legally obligated to pay for college.

Do you have to pay for Your Child’s College?

However, the amount you’re required to pay when a child is attending college may likely be reduced if the child is living at school, for example. This is because the cost of college includes room and board and the parent of primary residence isn’t necessarily incurring those expenses.

What to do about child support and college expenses?

However, when an agreement cannot be reached with regard to child support and college expenses, it may be necessary to get professional legal help. Get started today by contacting a family law attorney licensed in your state.

How does multiple children in college affect financial aid?

For families who will be affected by the upcoming treatment of multiple enrolled children, experts suggest saving at a higher rate, if possible, and appealing for more financial aid.

Do you have to pay for college after a divorce?

Some states require divorced parents to pay for college related expenses (based on the reasoning that a child’s education should not suffer because of a divorce), while other states view these as conditional expenses and do not require college expense payments and/or reimbursement. Learn more about the child support guidelines in your state.