How Broward County Courts Decide On Private School Costs In Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Cases
Education decisions are among the hardest choices divorced or separated parents in Fort Lauderdale face. If one parent wants to send a child to private school and the other doesn’t want to or can’t afford it, the issue could end up before a Broward County Court judge.
Florida law gives courts discretion to determine whether to include private school tuition in child support or treat it as a separate expense. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale child support attorney explains factors a judge will consider and what you can do to protect your family and prevent future disruptions.
How Florida Courts Evaluate Private School Payments
Under Section 61.30 of the Florida Statutes, child support helps cover a child’s basic needs, such as housing, food, and clothing, not private education. However, Florida judges will determine whether it’s reasonable and necessary to provide financial support for a child’s private school, given the family’s past and present circumstances. Factors they consider include:
- Whether the child attended private school during the marriage, as courts are more likely to maintain the status quo.
- Each parent’s income and expenses, and whether a private school is financially feasible.
- If the child has special learning needs or a history of success in private education.
- If both parents previously agreed on private schooling.
If the parent seeking private school enrollment can prove it’s in the child’s best interest, as well as within the family’s means, the court may include tuition as part of an ongoing child support order or as a separate shared expense.
Avoiding Conflict When It Comes To Your Child’s Education
The Florida Department of Education reports that nearly 500,000 students statewide attend private schools. For single or divorced parents in Fort Lauderdale, who are often on an already tight budget, disagreements over expenses can become emotionally charged.
The best way to avoid prolonged conflict is to be prepared. Our Fort Lauderdale child support attorney recommends taking these steps:
- Provide tuition invoices, school reports, and evidence of past attendance or benefits.
- Shoe that paying private school tuition won’t cause undue hardship for either parent.
- Negotiate an agreement where you split tuition, fees, and supplies in proportion to your and the other parent’s incomes.
- Address education expenses in your parenting plan to prevent future disputes.
- If tuition increases or there are shifts in income, you may request modifications later.
- If a private school is out of reach, explore scholarships or special public programs before going to court.
Judges aim to balance educational quality with financial practicality, and prefer when parents present realistic, well-supported proposals.
Worried About Meeting Education Costs? Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Support Attorney Today
Disputes over private school tuition can quickly strain co-parenting in Fort Lauderdale. At The Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio, we help Broward County parents negotiate payment arrangements, allowing them to make education decisions that truly serve their children’s best interests.
Worried about meeting your child’s education costs? Call or contact us online. Request a consultation today to speak with our experienced Fort Lauderdale child support attorney.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.30.html
fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7562/urlt/PS-AnnualReport2023.pdf
