Metairie, LA asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Louisiana

Q: Is my non-custodial parent obligated to help pay for college?

My father is my non-custodial parent. I've only met him like 3 or 4 times. I've heard that if you go after your parents for college money you'll win, but it just seems a little fishy. Would I have to go to court, or could we just send him a notice or something? And also, would it have to be me or my mom?

Also, I was born (and the divorce papers were done) in Louisiana, but he is in NYC.

Also, I might end up going to college out of the country, but it is cheaper than if I were to stay in state. Does this matter? Also, can I legally ask him for help with living expenses. Thank you for any advice.

I know I should get a lawyer if I want to pursue anything. This is just a first step to get an idea of how the law works in this situation. However, if anyone knows if there is a way for me to get a free/hella cheap lawyer, that would be awesome

2 Lawyer Answers
Ellen Cronin Badeaux
Ellen Cronin Badeaux
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Covington, LA
  • Licensed in Louisiana

A: Louisiana a is not an enlightened state. College is not included in child support.

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
Answered
  • Marksville, LA
  • Licensed in Louisiana

A: In Louisiana, child support ends at 18 (or 19 if still a full time student in secondary school). So no, you can't force either of your parents to help you with college, although they should both want to.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.