[csmhnv]

Divorce decree states parents will assist children equally with college education. It doesn't specifically say they pay 50% each of the college tuition, room, board, books etc. Does anyone know what exactly assist means. I assume it means each parent pays half of the costs. There is no mention of the child taking loans or anything. The father stopped paying child support when child graduated from high school and hasn't paid anything towards college. The mother told the child he had to get loans that he had no other choice and hasn't contributed anything towards the child's education. This child is now in his junior year and is struggling to survive. What are the responsibilities of each parent with this type of wording in a divorce decree? Thanks

[stinawords]

Generally, in Indiana, the parents would split each 50% after grants, scholarships, and small loans. This is because the cost of college varies soooo much. My brother went to purdue and I went to a private school and I paid exactly twice what he did. Neither of us had help from either of our parents so we both have loans. Tons of kids do it. You can take him back to court but part of what he has to pay toward the college will also depend on what school he is going to and how much he makes.

[Fr_Chuck]

Often when too vague divorced parents end up going back to court to clear up vague terms in custody agreements.