Child Support Lawyers For College & Medical Care Expenses

Legal Guidance for Child’s Expenses

When dealing with child support matters in a divorce or between unmarried couples, there are a number of questions that must be answered. Some of these questions include who will pay for college and medical expenses, among other expenses. These disputes can be resolved through negotiations, or they can be litigated in court.

At the Illinois family law firm of Kezy & Associates, we are skilled in handling all types of child support issues. Our child support attorneys guide clients through child support negotiations and effectively advocate for our clients’ interest in court wherever necessary.

College Expenses and Divorce in Illinois

Under Illinois law (750 ILCS 5/513), divorcing parents can be ordered to contribute to their child(ren)’s college expenses. The court will consider numerous factors when determining if such an order should be made and how much each parent will owe, including:

• Both parent’s financial resources;
• The standard of living the child enjoyed prior to the divorce;
• The child’s financial resources; and
• The child’s academic performance.

A negotiated settlement can address the issue of college expenses as well, but it is important to make sure you have a clear understanding of what is expected of you. For example, if your settlement language says each parent “shall” contribute, then the parent will have a legal duty to the child to make such a contribution. If child(ren) are very young when a divorce occurs, it is sometimes wise to reserve the issue and negotiate it closer to the time when the child(ren) are ready for college. We provide experienced legal counsel in this area and can help you make the most reasonable decisions for your situation.

Medical Expenses in Divorce in Illinois

A child’s medical expenses are typically the responsibility of both parents. Under Illinois law (750 ILCS 5/505.2), parents who owe child support are also responsible for providing health insurance to their child under any plan available through their employer or union, or as a beneficiary of group or independent health insurance plan. The court can also order a parent to contribute to deductibles, copayments and other medical expenses not covered by the child’s health insurance.

If you are going through a divorce and there are children involved, our child support attorneys can help you deal with child support matters, including college and medical expenses. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation and how we can assist you.