The financial responsibility for a child’s higher education following the dissolution of marriage in Arizona presents a complex legal landscape. Specifically, the allocation of costs associated with tuition, room and board, books, and other related fees for post-secondary schooling is a matter addressed by Arizona statutes and court precedent. Consider a situation where a couple divorces when their child is 16. The divorce decree might address, or fail to address, how the parents will contribute to the child’s college education expenses once they reach college age.
Addressing the question of who pays for college can significantly impact the future educational opportunities of the child and the financial well-being of both parents. Historically, parental obligations were generally considered to cease when a child reached the age of majority. However, the Arizona courts have evolved in their interpretations, recognizing that in certain circumstances, a parent may have a continuing duty to assist with educational costs beyond high school, especially when the child exhibits the aptitude and desire to pursue higher education. This duty is not automatic and requires specific legal action.
