Michigan's divorce laws do not provide for college expenses. However, the parties can agree to include the responsibility for these expenses in their judgment. The Friend of the Court encourages parents to plan for these expenses. The intense emotional atmosphere that surrounds separation and divorce, combined with the increased expenses of two households, makes cooperation and financial planning difficult. The student with the best chances of success in college:
Received continuous, strong emotional support from both parents.
Heard from both parents that higher education and educational performance are valued.
Came through the divorce and separation with a strong self-image and sense of self-worth.
Was exposed to a minimum amount of confrontation between his/her parents.
Received financial support from both parents during the divorce and is assured that if he/she is successful at college, support would be available from both parents, even if not sufficient to cover all expenses.
Parents may have to disclose assets and earnings years after separation as a child applies for financial aid. The mistrust of the parents has resulted in many students not even being able to apply for aid because parents refuse to reveal their financial information.
Researchers have found that children of divorce, as a group, are less successful financially and educationally than their parents. The Friend of the Court hopes your individual actions will help your child to achieve at the highest possible level. You can help this to happen by working together to co-parent effectively after the divorce and minimizing conflict.
