College Expenses: Child Support Past Age 18

 Posted on January 30, 2026 in College Expenses

When your child turns into a legal adult, you probably expect your child support obligation to end. It may not actually be that straightforward, though. While normal child support does stop at 18 (or when the child graduates high school,whichever is later), you may still be asked to help pay for your child's college expenses.

If you have questions about contributing to your child’s 2026 college fund, a Naperville, IL child support attorney can help you.

Does Illinois Make Parents Pay for College After Divorce?

Illinois allows courts to make divorced or unmarried parents pay for their child's college education per 750 ILCS 5/513.

This law is separate from regular child support. College expense contributions can begin after normal child support ends and continue until your child turns 23. In some cases, contributions may extend until age 25.

Other things that can end your support obligation include your child getting their bachelor’s degree, getting married, enlisting in the armed forces, or not maintaining a C average.

Which Divorce Cases Have to Pay College Child Support in Illinois?

One of the parents must file a petition asking the court to order contributions. Either parent can file this petition, but not the child. The court will not order college payments unless someone requests it.

Can My Ex Request College Contributions If Our Divorce Decree Did Not Address It?

Yes. Parents can still file petitions for college contributions even if there is nothing in your divorce decree about it. If your child is already in college and you have not filed a petition yet, the court cannot make the other parent pay you retroactively. For this reason, file your petition before your child starts college or as soon as possible after they start.

What College Expenses Can Illinois Courts Order You to Pay?

Expenses the court can order parents to help pay can include:

• Up to five college applications, two standardized entrance exams, and one exam prep course

• Tuition and fees

• Room and board

• Books and supplies

• Medical and dental insurance

• Transportation

• Living expenses during school breaks

There is a cap on how much the court can order parents to pay. For tuition, fees, and room and board, the court will not make you pay more than it would cost to send your child to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as an in-state student.

How Does the Court Decide How Much Each Parent Pays?

Unlike regular child support, which follows a formula, there is no set calculation for college contributions. The court looks at the financial situation of both parents, the standard of living the child would have had if the parents had stayed married, the child's academic performance, and things like scholarships the child has.

The court does not always split costs equally. One parent may pay more based on income and ability to pay. The court may also make the child contribute through work, scholarships, or grants. The court can also order both parents and the child to complete the Free Application to Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine what financial aid is available.

Can I Change or Stop My College Expense Contributions?

You may be able to modify or stop contributions if your life circumstances change a lot. If you lose your job or have a major income decrease, you can ask the court to reduce your contribution amount. If your child stops attending school full-time, drops out, or fails to maintain good enough grades, you can petition to end your obligation.

You may also request modification if your child refuses conditions like providing grade reports. Things like disagreeing with your child's choice of school are not usually enough to avoid payment.

Call a DuPage County Family Law Attorney Today

Whether you have concerns about being ordered to pay for college or you want to request contributions from your child's other parent, a Naperville child support lawyer can help.

At Pesce Law Group, P.C., Attorney Pesce is Court-approved in DuPage County to serve as a Mediator to resolve custody and visitation matters. With almost two decades of legal experience, our lawyers understand how Illinois courts handle college expense cases and can help protect your rights. Call Pesce Law Group, P.C. at 630-352-2240 today to schedule your free consultation.