Post-Secondary Support Attorney Serving Vancouver, Washington

When parents divorce with children, issues of custody and child support loom large. In either a contested or uncontested divorce, any child support arrangement will last until the child turns 18—or if still in high school, 19.

The original agreement or court decree could have factored in post-secondary support. This term refers to the child’s training or education after finishing high school. If the original documents did not account for post-secondary support, the primary parent or guardian must petition the court before the child reaches the age of emancipation (either 18 or 19) for post-secondary support to cover the expenses of furthering the child’s education or training.

An attorney’s guidance can be invaluable when it comes to these matters. If you have a child who is approaching high school graduation and you want to establish a post-secondary support plan for them, contact Keystone Family Law. The court will lose jurisdiction when your child turns 18 or finishes high school (whichever event occurs later), so you need to take action before that happens.

At Keystone Family Law, our child support lawyer will help you create a post-secondary support plan that works for all involved. If you have been petitioned to provide post-secondary support, we can likewise help you make sure the program is fair. In addition to Vancouver, we proudly serve clients throughout Clark County. Set up a consultation today. 

What Is Post-Secondary Support?

Child support covers the needs and expenses of bringing a child to maturity, which ends, as noted, at 18 or 19. Post-secondary support covers the individual’s needs as they seek entry into the adult world by attending college, undergoing vocational training, or entering a trade school. 

This type of support will, depending on the type of regimen being undertaken, cover the costs associated. These can include tuition, books, room and board, transportation, and other expenses involved. 

Establishing a Post-Secondary Support Agreement

A post-secondary agreement can be included in the initial child support agreement—but if not, it must be presented to the court before the original support agreement expires. Your petition to the court must state that a “substantial change of circumstances” has occurred and also must show that your child is: 

1. still dependent on you and the other parent for support 

2. in need of financial support for their post-secondary pursuits 

If your original child support agreement reserved the right to seek post-secondary support, then you will not need to indicate that there has been a major change in circumstances. If your current child support agreement ends when the child turns 18, you must file before that happens. If your agreement ends upon your child’s finishing high school, then you must file the petition at least one month before graduation. 

Factors in Deciding a Post-Secondary Support Award

The judge may consider several factors in deciding upon a post-secondary decree. These factors include: 

• the child’s age

• the child’s needs

• the parents’ expectations for their child when they were still together 

• the child’s future prospects, desires, skills, abilities, and disabilities 

• the type of post-secondary course the child is seeking 

• the parents’ level of education, the standard of living, income, and resources 

• the level of support the child could have expected had the parents stayed together

When submitting your petition, you should address these issues with any available documentation or statements in support of your petition. 

If the parents are unable to cover the anticipated expenses, the judge will likely not order post-secondary support. If one parent is more able of contributing than the other, the support levels of the two parents can vary. 

The Child’s Responsibilities if Awarded Support

The child who is awarded post-secondary support has several responsibilities to keep the support coming, including: 

• being enrolled in an accredited academic or vocational institution 

• actively working on a course of study that matches the child’s vocational goals 

• being “in good academic standing” as defined by the institution 

• making their academic records, including grades, available to both parents 

If the child fails to meet any one of these, then the support may stop automatically. In any event, the support will stop when the child reaches the age of 23. 

How an Attorney Can Help

Any kind of child support issue can be tricky. Reach out to an experienced family law attorney to help you navigate this rough terrain and assemble the documents necessary to support your petition. If, on the other hand, you’ve been served with a petition for post-secondary support, we can stand by your side as well. Having an advocate in your corner can make all the difference. 

Post-Secondary Support Attorney Serving Vancouver, Washington

If you as a parent are seeking post-secondary support for your child, or you have been served notice that you may be required to pay for such support, contact us right away at Keystone Family Law. Your needs and concerns will be treated with the utmost attention and respect.