Child Support for College Tuition & Expenses in Northern Virginia

Child Support and College Tuition

When addressing the costs of raising a child, an experienced lawyer knows to look beyond the established child support guidelines. There are costs that are not accounted for in those guidelines. The cost of college is one of the most prominent examples.

If you are going through a divorce, HALE BALL MURPHY, PLC in northern Virginia will take great care to make certain that the issue of college expenses is addressed alongside child support calculations. If you are an unmarried parent or if your child is now reaching college age and this issue has not been addressed previously, we will take action to address it now.

Not True Child Support

While many refer to college expenses as an aspect of child support, this is not the case. If college expenses are to be covered, it will not be through traditional child support, but through the creation of a contract between the child’s parents. Our attorneys have decades of experience not only in child support but in contract law. We know how to design contracts for coverage of college costs that work in tandem with child support arrangements.

College Is Not Just for Kids

Our experience has taught us to take a comprehensive view of divorce cases. On the surface, it might seem important to set aside money to cover college expenses for a child in the future. However, there might be better ways to make immediate use of that money.

If the custodial parent does not have a college education, creating an agreement that allows him or her to obtain one after the divorce can lead to a higher earning potential that may ultimately be more beneficial for the child. These types of agreements may be created in lieu of or in addition to spousal support. The key is to thoroughly review all options, seeking the outcome that will ultimately prove to be the best for you and your child.