Navigating the financial responsibilities of parenthood often leads to questions about post-secondary education costs.

In Alberta, the landscape of parental obligations towards their child’s college expenses is intertwined with child support guidelines, but it’s essential to differentiate between general parental duties and specific legal obligations.

Am I Obligated to Pay for My Child’s College in Alberta?

In a broad sense, there is no overarching law in Alberta that mandates all parents to pay for their child’s post-secondary education.

However, specific obligations can arise within the context of child support agreements or court orders.

Under Section 7 of the Alberta Child Support Guidelines, parents may be required to contribute to “extraordinary” expenses, which can include post-secondary education costs.
Learn more about Section 7 expenses

Understanding Section 7 Child Support Expenses

Section 7 of the Alberta Child Support Guidelines covers expenses beyond the standard child support, addressing additional costs such as:

• College and University Expenses: Tuition, books, and associated living expenses.
• Childcare Costs: Daycare fees or nanny expenses.
• Extraordinary School Fees: Private tutoring or charter school fees.
• Uninsured Healthcare Needs: Medical treatments not covered by insurance.
• Extraordinary Extracurricular Expenses: Sports, extra lessons, school trips, etc.

Determining “Extraordinary” Expenses

The court evaluates these expenses based on two primary criteria:

1. Necessity: Does the expense serve the child’s best interests?
2. Reasonability: Can the parents financially cover the expense based on their respective incomes?

Each case is unique, and the court’s decision is based on the specific circumstances presented.

FAQ: Parental Obligations for College Expenses in Alberta

• Are all parents in Alberta required to pay for their child’s college?
  • No, only those with specific child support agreements or court orders might have this obligation.
• What are Section 7 expenses in the context of child support?
  • These are “extraordinary” expenses, which can include post-secondary education costs, among others.

Navigating College Expenses in Alberta

While Alberta doesn’t impose a general obligation on parents to fund their child’s post-secondary education, specific responsibilities can arise from child support contexts. It’s crucial for parents to understand these nuances, ensuring they’re well-informed about potential financial commitments.

In Summary

• There’s no general law in Alberta mandating parents to pay for their child’s college.
• Specific obligations can arise from child support agreements or court orders under Section 7 of the Alberta Child Support Guidelines.
• “Extraordinary” expenses in child support can include post-secondary education costs.
• The court evaluates these expenses based on their necessity and reasonability.
• Parents should be aware of potential financial responsibilities arising from child support contexts.