Can a college student sue his parents if they refuse to support him financially after he is enrolled?

Answer 1

Answer The answer below is a patent generalization. It depends on the jurisdiction you happen to be in. In Canada, in most provinces you CAN, I.E. your parents are generally legally responsible to support you through college to the extent that they are able; the judge would decide what amount of support is fair to expect in such a case. Similar things can be said for the law in some American states, but it is more common for state laws to require support only until the child is 18 or has finished high school. One should check in the case of each state. Oh, I don't agree that parents owe you nothing after you are 18 or that teenagers wanting independence should "get it" by being cut off. But I am too busy and tired now to argue.

Answer

Once you are no longer a minor your parents owe you nothing. You're on your own. No, you can't sue them for a darn thing! Funny, kids in their teens can hardly wait until they get older so they think they can be independent and when they get there they don't like it. Guess what ... you're there!

I have no idea if your parents ever promised to pay for your college or if they didn't like the college you picked or you're goofing off in college. Only you have the answer to that. You'll lose all the way down the line anyway, because ....

If you took it upon yourself to think that your parents would automatically just pay for your college (extremely expensive) then you took too much for granted. If they don't agree with the college you are going to and refuse to pay then just like a lot of other college students ... get a job! It can be done and I know many college students who work two jobs, go to college, study and pass. If you're goofing off in college do the college a favor and leave so it gives someone else who is serious about getting an education an opportunity to warm the seat you had.

Answer

You cant, but i believe that you should be able to. My parents havent financially supported me since i was 15 and i am estranged from both of them. Im going to find it extremely hard to get to university with no support but i will remember not to be a bad parent to my children in the future. The struggle makes you stronger.

Answer

The short answer is: In the United States no .

However, if a parent is responsible for child support the custodial parent can go to court are REQUEST that the non custodial parent pay a portion of the college costs up to age 23 (varies by state) but that is a case by case basis and in no way a mandate of law. If the non custodial parent does not have the means to pay you are out of luck.

Again, generally after age 18, in the U.S. you are on your own financially (barring physical or mental incapacitation).

The good news is you are qualified for all types of student loans and grants. Pay for your own college tuition, you'll most likely do better in class if you are paying for it yourself besides you will have more self pride as well. Consult another lawyer and you will get the same answer.

Consider this FREE legal advise.

For the poster above from CANADA:

There are no states in North America that have a provision that require a parent to pay child support directly to an 18 year or older college student or non-college student. The person from CANADA that made that inference is 100% incorrect.The fact that you personally disagree with the laws in this country is irrelevant. It is what it is. Parents have to willfully pay living and educational costs for children after legal emancipation, plain and simple.

If an 18 year old wants to be independent from his/her parents they get the whole ball of wax here, including financial self responsibility. You can't have it both ways.