When parents with minor children divorce, they have to negotiate numerous matters related to their children. Often, the main focus is on the division of parental rights and responsibilities. Both parents likely want as much time as possible with their children and a degree of decision-making authority.
The courts may also order one parent to provide child support to help maintain a consistent standard of living. Child support is often only enough to help cover certain basic expenses. Families that have invested heavily in their children or enjoyed a higher average standard of living may worry that child support could fall short of their needs.
For example, if the children currently attend private school or if the parents committed to sending them to private school in the future, there may be concerns about how to cover those expenses. Who generally must cover the cost of private school tuition when parents divorce?
Tuition costs can be a major issue
Private school tuition is a major investment. In California, private elementary schools cost an average of $16,066 per student per year. Once the children reach high school, the annual costs for private school increase to $22,153. However, the improved educational prospects and networking opportunities afforded by private schools can make that investment worthwhile for families.
The idea of making the children transfer to public school because of a divorce can feel unfair. Still, covering private tuition costs could prove very difficult for some parents after a divorce. The Family Court understands this difficulty and generally defaults to public school unless both Parties are willing to arrange for payment. If there is no agreement, the parent who insists on private school will often have the option of maintaining the children’s enrollment in private school, albeit at their own expense. Therefore, we encourage Parties who seek private schooling to negotiate and seek creative solutions which they believe are in their children’s best interest, ultimately limiting the negative impact that a pending divorce will have on their children.