How Do We Coordinate Paying for College after Divorce in Texas?

Key Takeaways

• Paying for college after divorce in Texas is not required by Texas law and should not be ordered by any Texas court absent a written agreement by the parties.
• Parents can still agree to create an agreement covering tuition and other post secondary education expenses.
• A clear plan can help Austin parents avoid disagreements about college costs down the road.

Does Texas Law Require Divorced Parents to Pay for College?

No. Texas law does not require divorced parents to pay for their child’s college education because child support obligations typically end when a child reaches adulthood or graduates from high school, depending on the circumstances. College is different because the child is generally an adult at that point. 

Can Parents Agree to Pay for College After Divorce?

Parents can each agree to help with college expenses after divorce. Paying for college after divorce in Texas can be addressed in a divorce agreement even when the law does not require it. For families in Austin, talking about these costs during the divorce can make things much easier later on.

When discussing paying for college after divorce in Texas, parents can also decide how scholarships, grants, financial aid, or contributions from the child will affect what each parent pays. For Austin families, having these details in writing can prevent confusion when the first tuition bill arrives.

What Should a College Expense Agreement Include?

Paying for college after divorce in Texas can involve many different costs, so Austin parents should be specific about what their agreement covers.

Consider addressing:

• Which schools or programs are covered
• How tuition will be divided
• How school fees, books, supplies, and housing will be divided
• Whether there is a maximum amount each parent will pay
• How financial aid affects each parent’s contribution
• How many semesters or years are covered
• Whether the child must meet certain academic requirements

It is also helpful to decide what happens if college costs are higher than expected. The more specific the agreement, the fewer questions there are later.

What Are Post Secondary Education Expenses?

Post secondary education expenses are costs related to education after high school and can include more than traditional college tuition.

Depending on the agreement, post secondary education expenses may include:

• Tuition
• Books and supplies
• Housing
• Transportation
• School fees
• Other education-related costs

They may also include expenses for community college, trade school, or a vocational program.

When planning to pay for college after divorce in Texas, parents should decide exactly which post secondary education expenses they are willing to cover.

Can a Divorce Agreement Require Parents to Pay for College?

If parents agree to contribute to post secondary education expenses, the terms of that agreement can create obligations, which is why the wording of the agreement matters.

If you are planning on paying for college after divorce in Texas, it is better to clearly outline each parent’s responsibilities than to rely on a general promise to help.

An Austin family law attorney can help make sure the agreement addresses potential areas of disagreement.

How Can Parents Make Paying for College Easier?

The best time to discuss college expenses is before there is a tuition bill sitting on the table. For parents in Austin, planning ahead regarding paying for college after divorce in Texas can make the process much less stressful. Instead of trying to decide years later who should pay for tuition, housing, or other post secondary education expenses, parents should already have a plan in place.

Start Planning Ahead with an Experienced Austin Family Law Attorney

College can be a significant financial commitment, and it is not something you necessarily want to leave unclear in your divorce agreement.

If you are considering paying for college after divorce in Texas, an experienced Austin family law attorney can help you understand your options and address post secondary education expenses in your agreement. At Deyerle Silva Smith, PLLC, we help Austin families navigate divorce and other family law matters with practical guidance focused on what comes next. Reach out to our team today to get started.