Paying for College in a Divorce in Westport

Paying for college in a divorce in Westport often involves what Connecticut law refers to as educational support orders. Courts can compel a parent to pay for up to four years of higher education expenses, provided certain conditions are met. These orders can only be entered at the time of divorce, or if the court grants permission for the parents to petition for educational support at a later date. Educational support orders typically terminate upon a child’s 23rd birthday or when he or she earns a bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first.

When determining whether to award an educational support order, courts must look closely at a number of factors. First, courts must find that the parents would have provided financial and educational support to the child if the parents had not divorced. If the court believes that the parents would have financially supported the child’s education, the court will then look at a number of factors, including:

  • The parents’ income and assets
  • The child’s need for financial support, considering the child’s own assets and/or income
  • The availability of grants, loans, and other financial aid
  • The reasonableness of the higher education to be funded, considering the child’s academic record and the financial resources available
  • The child’s preparation for, aptitude for, and commitment to higher education
  • The evidence, if any, of the institution of higher education or private occupational school that the child would attend

Further, courts cannot require a parent to pay more than the amount of tuition, room and board, and other costs that a resident of Connecticut would pay at the University of Connecticut.

At Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC, our talented child support attorneys are committed to providing strategic, knowledgeable guidance on all aspects of child support, including educational support orders. Whether paying for college is an issue in your divorce or in the years following your divorce, we will help you understand your rights and work tenaciously to protect your interests.

Talk to a Lawyer About Paying for College in Divorce in Westport

If you are concerned about paying for college in a divorce in Westport, understanding how educational support orders work is essential. Our experienced family law attorneys can explain your rights and obligations, help you evaluate your financial responsibilities, and guide you through the court process when necessary.

Contact Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC today to schedule a consultation. We will answer your questions and help you take the right steps to protect your financial interests while supporting your child’s education.