Divorce is hard enough in the present, but if you have children, you need to think about the future as well. If you want your kids to go to college, divorce should not impede them from doing so.
According to Business Insider, the average annual tuition cost for in-state students was $10,740 in 2021. Out-of-state students pay an average of $27,560 per year. However, Texas law does not obligate parents to pay for their children’s tuition.
Verbal agreements have no legal binding
If you want your ex-spouse to assist you in paying for college, you must negotiate this with them during the divorce process. The verbal promise of your spouse is not enforceable, so you need to agree in writing. Without a written agreement, the other spouse has no legal obligation to pay for their child’s college tuition.
Tuition is only one part
When negotiating for child support in college tuition, you need to consider several costs. Remember, the college has more expenses than just tuition. You also need to consider books, transportation, room and board or allowance expenses. If you negotiate the percentage that each parent is responsible for, you might want to consider the maximum amount you are willing to pay. Depending on where your child goes to college, even a 20/80 split might cost you more than you can afford.
Paying for your child’s college education is more important to some parents than others. If you want to guarantee your children go to college, part of your divorce arrangement should include an agreement to help pay for university expenses.