ILCS » Chapter 750 · Act 5
Illinois Compiled Statutes

750 ILCS 5/513 (2026)

Educational expenses for a non-minor child

✓ current as of May 2026 Cite as: 750 ILCS 5/513 (2026)
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(750 ILCS 5/513) (from Ch. 40, par. 513)
    Sec. 513. Educational expenses for a non-minor child.
    (a) The court may award sums of money out of the property and income of either or both parties or the estate of a deceased parent, as equity may require, for the educational expenses of any child of the parties. Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, all educational expenses which are the subject of a petition brought pursuant to this Section shall be incurred no later than the student's 23rd birthday, except for good cause shown, but in no event later than the child's 25th birthday.
    (b) Regardless of whether an award has been made under subsection (a), the court may require both parties and the child to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid forms and to submit any form of that type prior to the designated submission deadline for the form. The court may require either or both parties to provide funds for the child so as to pay for the cost of up to 5 college applications, the cost of 2 standardized college entrance examinations, and the cost of one standardized college entrance examination preparatory course.
    (c) The authority under this Section to make provision for educational expenses extends not only to periods of college education or vocational or professional or other training after graduation from high school, but also to any period during which the child of the parties is still attending high school, even though he or she attained the age of 19.
    (d) Educational expenses may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
        (1) except for good cause shown, the actual cost of
    
the child's post-secondary expenses, including tuition and fees, provided that the cost for tuition and fees does not exceed the amount of in-state tuition and fees paid by a student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for the same academic year;
        (2) except for good cause shown, the actual costs of
    
the child's housing expenses, whether on-campus or off-campus, provided that the housing expenses do not exceed the cost for the same academic year of a double-occupancy student room, with a standard meal plan, in a residence hall operated by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign;
        (3) the actual costs of the child's medical
    
expenses, including medical insurance, and dental expenses;
        (4) the reasonable living expenses of the child
    
during the academic year and periods of recess:
            (A) if the child is a resident student attending
        
a post-secondary educational program; or
            (B) if the child is living with one party at that
        
party's home and attending a post-secondary educational program as a non-resident student, in which case the living expenses include an amount that pays for the reasonable cost of the child's food, utilities, and transportation; and
        (5) the cost of books and other supplies necessary to
    
attend college.
    (e) Sums may be ordered payable to the child, to either party, or to the educational institution, directly or through a special account or trust created for that purpose, as the court sees fit.
    (f) If educational expenses are ordered payable, each party and the child shall sign any consent necessary for the educational institution to provide a supporting party with access to the child's academic transcripts, records, and grade reports. The consent shall not apply to any non-academic records. Failure to execute the required consent may be a basis for a modification or termination of any order entered under this Section. Unless the court specifically finds that the child's safety would be jeopardized, each party is entitled to know the name of the educational institution the child attends.
    (g) The authority under this Section to make provision for educational expenses terminates when the child either: fails to maintain a cumulative "C" grade point average, except in the event of illness or other good cause shown; attains the age of 23; receives a baccalaureate degree; or marries. A child's enlisting in the armed forces, being incarcerated, or becoming pregnant does not terminate the court's authority to make provisions for the educational expenses for the child under this Section.
    (h) An account established prior to the dissolution that is to be used for the child's post-secondary education, that is an account in a state tuition program under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, or that is some other college savings plan, is to be considered by the court to be a resource of the child, provided that any post-judgment contribution made by a party to such an account is to be considered a contribution from that party.
    (i) The child is not a third party beneficiary to the settlement agreement or judgment between the parties after trial and is not entitled to file a petition for contribution. If the parties' settlement agreement describes the manner in which a child's educational expenses will be paid, or if the court makes an award pursuant to this Section, then the parties are responsible pursuant to that agreement or award for the child's educational expenses, but in no event shall the court consider the child a third party beneficiary of that provision. In the event of the death or legal disability of a party who would have the right to file a petition for contribution, the child of the party may file a petition for contribution.
    (j) In making awards under this Section, or pursuant to a petition or motion to decrease, modify, or terminate any such award, the court shall consider all relevant factors that appear reasonable and necessary, including:
        (1) The present and future financial resources of
    
both parties to meet their needs, including, but not limited to, savings for retirement.
        (2) The standard of living the child would have
    
enjoyed had the marriage not been dissolved.
        (3) The financial resources of the child.
        (4) The child's academic performance.
    (k) The establishment of an obligation to pay under this Section is retroactive only to the date of filing a petition. The right to enforce a prior obligation to pay may be enforced either before or after the obligation is incurred.
(Source: P.A. 99-90, eff. 1-1-16; 99-143, eff. 7-27-15; 99-642, eff. 7-28-16; 99-763, eff. 1-1-17.)

    
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 111 cases (19 in the last 5 years), 1994–2026 · leading case: Clark v. Children's Memorial Hospital
Sort: Relevance Newest Treatment
Clark v. Children's Memorial Hospital (2011) ill · cites it 5× “” 750 ILCS 5/513 (West 2006). Section 513(a)(1) of this statute provided the basis for the appellate court’s conclusion: “(a) The court may award sums of money out of the property and income of either or both parties or the estate of a deceased parent, as equity may require, for…”
In re Marriage of Chee (2011) illappct · cites it 12× “The order, which was hand drafted by Samuel’s attorney, indicates that the court found the marriage void, that Samuel acknowledged paternity of the two children, and that the court was retaining jurisdiction “over the petitioner and the children and the respondent pursuant to…”
Clark v. Children's Memorial Hosp. (2011) ill · cites it 6× “" 750 ILCS 5/513 (West 2006). Section 513(a)(1) of this statute provided the basis for the appellate court's conclusion: "(a) The court may award sums of money out of the property and income of either or both parties or the estate of a deceased parent, as equity may require, for…”
PEOPLE EX REL. SUSSEN v. Keller (2008) illappct · cites it 10× “750 ILCS 5/513 (a)(2) (West 2006). When deciding whether to require the payment of postsecondary education expenses and the amount thereof, the trial court should consider "all relevant factors that appear reasonable and necessary.”
Yakich v. Aulds (2019) ill · cites it 3× “XIV) as applied in this case. In making that ruling, the court declined to follow this court’s long- standing precedent and effectively overruled it.”
In Re Marriage of Waller (2003) illappct · cites it 5× “In the hearing and in a memorandum he filed before the hearing, respondent made a twofold argument: (1) under section 510(d) of the Dissolution Act (750 ILCS 5/510(d) (West 2000)), child support ended when the child turned 18; and (2) a trial court could award postmajority…”
In re Marriage of Petersen (2011) ill · cites it 4× “However, a divorced parent’s obligation to his or her children increased in 1982, when the General Assembly amended the Act so that the circuit court, as equity may require, “may” order “either or both parties” to a divorce to provide for the educational expenses of nonminor…”
In Re Marriage of Thurmond (1999) illappct · cites it 10× “Respondent appeals from the trial court's February 6, 1998, and June 9, 1998, orders, contending (1) he is not obligated to pay nonminor support for Alex because Alex is not disabled pursuant to section 513(a)(1) of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (Act)…”
In re Marriage of Drysch (2000) illappct · cites it 7× “513 (now 750 ILCS 5/513 (West 1998)))].” On July 22, 1998, Vicky filed a petition for modification of judgment.”
In Re Marriage of Deike (2008) illappct · cites it 4× “He was unable to find work in his field and bought a bar and grill to become self-employed.”
In re Marriage of Spircoff (2011) illappct · cites it 6× “The trial court certified the following question for our review: “If the ruling in Petersen bars a party from contribution from a former spouse from contribution for college expenses incurred prior to the date of filing of a petition brought pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/513, does the…”
Bauer Ex Rel. Bauer v. Memorial Hosp. (2007) illappct · cites it 2× “Section 513 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/513 (West 2006)) codifies previous Illinois common law recognizing that the trial court may order a parent to pay child support after the child attains majority when the child is mentally or…”
Show all 111 citing cases →
— 750 ILCS 5/513(a) — 37 cases
Yakich v. Aulds (2019) ill “XIV) as applied in this case. In making that ruling, the court declined to follow this court’s long- standing precedent and effectively overruled it.”
In re Marriage of Petersen (2011) ill “However, a divorced parent’s obligation to his or her children increased in 1982, when the General Assembly amended the Act so that the circuit court, as equity may require, “may” order “either or both parties” to a divorce to provide for the educational expenses of nonminor…”
In Re Marriage of Waller (2003) illappct “In the hearing and in a memorandum he filed before the hearing, respondent made a twofold argument: (1) under section 510(d) of the Dissolution Act (750 ILCS 5/510(d) (West 2000)), child support ended when the child turned 18; and (2) a trial court could award postmajority…”
In re Marriage of Budorick (2020) illappct
PEOPLE EX REL. SUSSEN v. Keller (2008) illappct “750 ILCS 5/513 (a)(2) (West 2006). When deciding whether to require the payment of postsecondary education expenses and the amount thereof, the trial court should consider "all relevant factors that appear reasonable and necessary.”
— 750 ILCS 5/513(a)(1) — 10 cases
Clark v. Children's Memorial Hospital (2011) ill “” 750 ILCS 5/513 (West 2006). Section 513(a)(1) of this statute provided the basis for the appellate court’s conclusion: “(a) The court may award sums of money out of the property and income of either or both parties or the estate of a deceased parent, as equity may require, for…”
Clark v. Children's Memorial Hosp. (2011) ill “" 750 ILCS 5/513 (West 2006). Section 513(a)(1) of this statute provided the basis for the appellate court's conclusion: "(a) The court may award sums of money out of the property and income of either or both parties or the estate of a deceased parent, as equity may require, for…”
In re Marriage of Chee (2011) illappct “The order, which was hand drafted by Samuel’s attorney, indicates that the court found the marriage void, that Samuel acknowledged paternity of the two children, and that the court was retaining jurisdiction “over the petitioner and the children and the respondent pursuant to…”
In Re Marriage of Thurmond (1999) illappct “Respondent appeals from the trial court's February 6, 1998, and June 9, 1998, orders, contending (1) he is not obligated to pay nonminor support for Alex because Alex is not disabled pursuant to section 513(a)(1) of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (Act)…”
People Ex Rel. Greene v. Young (2006) illappct
— 750 ILCS 5/513(a)(2) — 36 cases
In re Marriage of Chee (2011) illappct “The order, which was hand drafted by Samuel’s attorney, indicates that the court found the marriage void, that Samuel acknowledged paternity of the two children, and that the court was retaining jurisdiction “over the petitioner and the children and the respondent pursuant to…”
In Re Marriage of Deike (2008) illappct “He was unable to find work in his field and bought a bar and grill to become self-employed.”
PEOPLE EX REL. SUSSEN v. Keller (2008) illappct “750 ILCS 5/513 (a)(2) (West 2006). When deciding whether to require the payment of postsecondary education expenses and the amount thereof, the trial court should consider "all relevant factors that appear reasonable and necessary.”
Clark v. Children's Memorial Hospital (2011) ill “” 750 ILCS 5/513 (West 2006). Section 513(a)(1) of this statute provided the basis for the appellate court’s conclusion: “(a) The court may award sums of money out of the property and income of either or both parties or the estate of a deceased parent, as equity may require, for…”
In re Marriage of Loomis (2004) illappct
— 750 ILCS 5/513(a)(l) — 5 cases
In Re Marriage of Thurmond (1999) illappct “Respondent appeals from the trial court's February 6, 1998, and June 9, 1998, orders, contending (1) he is not obligated to pay nonminor support for Alex because Alex is not disabled pursuant to section 513(a)(1) of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (Act)…”
In Re Marriage of Daniels (1998) illappct
Clark v. Children's Memorial Hospital (2009) illappct
Petersen v. Petersen (2010) illappct
People Ex Rel. Greene v. Young (2006) illappct
— 750 ILCS 5/513(b) — 27 cases
PEOPLE EX REL. SUSSEN v. Keller (2008) illappct “750 ILCS 5/513 (a)(2) (West 2006). When deciding whether to require the payment of postsecondary education expenses and the amount thereof, the trial court should consider "all relevant factors that appear reasonable and necessary.”
In Re Marriage of Thurmond (1999) illappct “Respondent appeals from the trial court's February 6, 1998, and June 9, 1998, orders, contending (1) he is not obligated to pay nonminor support for Alex because Alex is not disabled pursuant to section 513(a)(1) of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (Act)…”
Clark v. Children's Memorial Hospital (2011) ill “” 750 ILCS 5/513 (West 2006). Section 513(a)(1) of this statute provided the basis for the appellate court’s conclusion: “(a) The court may award sums of money out of the property and income of either or both parties or the estate of a deceased parent, as equity may require, for…”
Bauer Ex Rel. Bauer v. Memorial Hosp. (2007) illappct “Section 513 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/513 (West 2006)) codifies previous Illinois common law recognizing that the trial court may order a parent to pay child support after the child attains majority when the child is mentally or…”
In re Marriage of Schmidt (1997) illappct
— 750 ILCS 5/513(b)(1) — 6 cases
In Re Marriage of Deike (2008) illappct “He was unable to find work in his field and bought a bar and grill to become self-employed.”
In re Parentage of M.M. (2015) illappct
In Re Marriage of Petersen (2011) ill
In re Parentage of M.M. (2015) illappct
In re Parentage of M.M. (2015) illappct
— 750 ILCS 5/513(b)(4) — 1 case
In re Marriage of Drysch (2000) illappct “513 (now 750 ILCS 5/513 (West 1998)))].” On July 22, 1998, Vicky filed a petition for modification of judgment.”
— 750 ILCS 5/513(b)(l) — 2 cases
In Re Marriage of Deike (2008) illappct “He was unable to find work in his field and bought a bar and grill to become self-employed.”
In re Marriage of Drysch (2000) illappct “513 (now 750 ILCS 5/513 (West 1998)))].” On July 22, 1998, Vicky filed a petition for modification of judgment.”
— 750 ILCS 5/513(d) — 2 cases
In re Marriage of Wilhelmsen (2019) illappct
In re Marriage of Moehring (2025) illappct
— 750 ILCS 5/513(d)(1) — 3 cases
In re Marriage of Hamm (2022) illappct
In re Marriage of Broderick (2022) illappct
In re Marriage of Moehring (2025) illappct
— 750 ILCS 5/513(d)(2) — 1 case
Sullivan v. Sullivan (2020) illappct
— 750 ILCS 5/513(e) — 1 case
M.E.H. v. J.P.N. (2017) pasuperct
— 750 ILCS 5/513(f) — 1 case
Thomas v. Durham (2021) illappct
— 750 ILCS 5/513(g) — 3 cases
Sullivan v. Sullivan (2020) illappct
Thomas v. Durham (2021) illappct
In re Marriage of Moehring (2025) illappct
— 750 ILCS 5/513(h) — 1 case
In re Marriage of Wilhelmsen (2019) illappct
— 750 ILCS 5/513(i) — 1 case
In re Marriage of Azrikan (2021) illappct
— 750 ILCS 5/513(j) — 5 cases
In re Marriage of Wilhelmsen (2019) illappct
In re Marriage of Kilby (2023) illappct
In re Marriage of Moran (2023) illappct
In re Marriage of Paul J.N. (2020) illappct
In re Marriage of Moehring (2025) illappct
— 750 ILCS 5/513(j)(1) — 2 cases
Druse v. Schurman (2020) illappct
Sullivan v. Sullivan (2020) illappct
— 750 ILCS 5/513(k) — 3 cases
In re The Marriage of Weiss (2026) illappct
Arteaga v. Simpson (2023) illappct
Sullivan v. Sullivan (2020) illappct
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