Can I Be Forced to Pay for My Child’s College After Divorce in Tennessee?

Many parents who get divorced in Tennessee may wonder what will happen when it is time for their child to attend college. Can a parent be forced to pay for the child’s college expenses? Will child support automatically cover tuition? If you have questions or concerns about your legal rights and responsibilities as a parent, continue reading and consult with a knowledgeable Memphis, Tennessee family law attorney today.

When Does Child Support End in TN?

In Tennessee, the obligation for a parent to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. For example, if a child turns 18 in March of their senior year of high school but they graduate in June, child support will end in June.

Even if the child has not graduated from high school, child support will not be enforced past age 19 unless certain circumstances apply. For example, support may be extended for a severely disabled child who cannot live independently or support themselves financially.

Can I Be Forced to Pay for My Child’s College After Divorce in TN?

No, Tennessee law does not require parents to pay for a child’s college education regardless of whether they are married or not. In some states, divorced parents can be forced to contribute to the expenses associated with higher education, even once the child is considered an adult. However, Tennessee does not impose any such law. Parents can voluntarily support their child during the college years, but there are no valid grounds for a court to require a parent to foot the bill, unless the parent previously agreed to it.

It’s important to note that each divorce is unique, and there are certain instances where an obligation for college payment can be enforced. For example, if your divorce decree or marital dissolution agreement includes a clause stating that you will pay for or contribute to the child’s college expenses, it can be considered a binding contract. You will be required to comply or else risk enforcement actions like wage garnishment, contempt of court, and more. However, this is different than the court forcing you to pay as you agreed to the terms when the settlement was created.

How Can I Include College Expenses in My Divorce Agreement?

If you and your spouse want to contribute to your child’s college expenses, you can include the terms during your divorce. While you may think it’s easier to settle the details on your own, including clear expectations in your divorce agreement can help offer legal protection so that neither party can go back on their word.

During divorce negotiations, include provisions regarding who is responsible for paying for tuition, room and board, textbooks, supplies, etc. Outline how expenses will be divided and the amount each parent will contribute. This will help avoid disputes later on.

For more information, reach out to a skilled family law attorney today.