Can You Get Child Support In Fort Lauderdale To Cover College Expenses?

College is expensive, and for many families, the question of who pays what becomes even more complicated when parents are divorced or were never married. Tuition, housing, books, and meal plans add up quickly, leaving many parents in Fort Lauderdale scrambling to figure out how to cover the costs.

If you’re worried about how to get help from your child’s other parent, you’re not alone. Florida law has specific rules about child support, and knowing where you stand can make the difference between footing the entire bill yourself and sharing the responsibility. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale child support attorney explains what you need to know about payments towards college expenses.

Child Support and College Expenses Under Florida Child Support Laws

Under Section 61.13 of the Florida Statutes, parents must financially support their children. In most cases, mandatory child support ends when a child turns 18, or 19 if they’re still in high school and expected to graduate before their 19th birthday.

Unlike some states, Florida does not automatically require parents to pay for college. Here’s what this means for both divorced and single parents:

• No Automatic Coverage: Courts cannot order child support specifically for tuition, room, or board once the child is legally an adult.
• Existing Agreements Matter: If your divorce decree, parenting plan, or child support agreement includes college costs, the court can enforce it.
• For Unmarried Parents: If no agreement exists, parents may need to negotiate and sign one to divide responsibilities.
• Special Needs Exception: Support can extend beyond 18 for children with disabilities who depend on ongoing care.

Options for Fort Lauderdale Divorced And Single Parents Facing Rising College Costs

The Florida Department of Education advises that in 2025, the average cost of yearly in-state tuition at a public university is close to $10,000. If your child goes out of state or to a private school, it could easily cost three or four times as much. There’s also room and board, lab fees, and other costs. As a single or divorced parent, it is natural to wonder how you will meet these expenses.

Even though Florida law doesn’t automatically require post-secondary support, there are ways to address college costs:

• Check your divorce settlement or child support order to see if it covers any college-related costs, such as SATs.
• Negotiate an agreement to share college expenses through a written contract.
• Mediation can help reluctant co-parents commit to supporting their child’s education.
• Provide tuition statements, housing bills, receipts for books and meals, and other documentation to support your case.

To Protect Your Child’s Future, Consult Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Support Lawyer

Your child’s education is an investment in their future, and both parents should share in that responsibility. At The Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio, we help divorced and single parents throughout Broward County navigate child support agreements and negotiate fair contributions toward college costs.

To protect your child’s future, call or contact our office online. Consult our experienced Fort Lauderdale child support lawyer today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html

fldoe.org/file/19874/2526-SFRF.pdf