Even if a child stops attending school, if they return to school before their late or mid-20s, the likelihood of your obligation to support the child through their educational studies for a minimum of four years is very high. Courts tend to lean on the side of the child, saying that a child -- even one who does not have a relationship with the parent, unless one can prove that this is the child's specific actions as opposed to the effect of parental discord -- will still receive support.

The "normal kid" should also contribute toward their educational costs, and the courts tend to see a contribution somewhere in the neighborhood of $2,000 from summer earnings. The court realizes the difficulty to earn money for kids, and the fact that many kids pay some of their own travel, recreational, or clothing expenses does not set a high standard for contribution by children, even ones going to university.

If the child lives at home while going to university, normal table amounts of child support under the child-support guidelines will still be paid, and the parents will share proportional costs for tuition and books. This is, of course, subject to the contribution by the child.

During the months when the child is away at school, normal child support under the tables may be vastly reduced or stopped completely, and the parents will share (proportional to their income) the educational costs, including residence, or equivalent rent, food, clothing, books, healthcare costs, and transportation, also subject to contribution by the child.

Issues of child support can be complex, and you should consult a divorce lawyer.