Who Pays for College After a Divorce in Illinois? - Caesar & Bender, LLP

From Caesar & Bender, LLP - Who Pays for College After a Divorce in Illinois? explores how Illinois courts may order divorced parents to contribute to a child’s post-secondary educational expenses under Section 513 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. This episode breaks down how 750 ILCS 5/513 differs from regular child support under 750 ILCS 5/505, why Illinois is one of the states that allows college contribution orders, and how families in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, and Lake County may be affected.

Listeners will learn what costs may be covered, including tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, medical insurance, dental expenses, standardized testing, college applications, and FAFSA-related requirements. The discussion also explains the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign cost caps, including UIUC-based limits for in-state tuition and fees, residence hall housing, and standard meal plans, as well as how private university costs, scholarships, grants, and financial aid may influence each parent’s obligation.

The episode also highlights how Illinois courts divide college expenses between parents and the child, especially in high-asset divorce and post-decree financial disputes. Caesar & Bender, LLP discusses how 529 accounts, trust assets, investment portfolios, marital settlement agreements, academic records, GPA requirements, age restrictions, and the child’s progress toward a bachelor’s degree can all shape a Section 513 contribution order.

Featuring Chicago divorce attorneys Michael Ian Bender and Molly E. Caesar, this episode offers insight into petitions, modifications, enforcement actions, and college cost planning in the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. From their office at 150 North Michigan Avenue, Caesar & Bender, LLP serves families navigating divorce, child support, custody, parentage, maintenance, prenuptial agreements, domestic violence matters, and complex financial disputes involving college contributions after divorce.

Caesar & Bender, LLP

150 N Michigan Ave #2130, Chicago, IL 60601

(312) 236-1500

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