In Rhode Island (RI) Divorce and Child support cases, Can I get the father or mother of my child to be ordered to pay for private school education?

No, unless there is a contractual obligation, a stipulated consent order or there is an ongoing divorce.

Most judges take the position that there are suitable public schools for children to attend. However, If there is something in writing such as a property settlement agreement obligating one parent to pay for the private school education of the child, then the parent may be obligated to pay for the private school education. Article by Rhode island attorney David Slepkow (401-437-1100)

Also, the parent could be ordered to pay for private school education in a divorce on a temporary basis, especially when it is in the middle of a school year and it would be disruptive for the child to transfer to a public school. Parents can certainly negotiate payment of private school education and the judge of The Family Court will usually approve the settlement in a court Order. That stipulated consent order could be enforced in a Family Court contempt proceeding.

Can I get the father or mother of my child to be ordered to pay for college?

No, Unless there is a written contractual agreement obligating payment of college expenses. Rhode Island child support terminates when a child turns 18 and graduates high school but not longer then the child attaining the age of 19. (Unless the child is severely disabled and then it goes unil the child turns 21)

The Court loses jurisdiction over the child when the child attains the age as set forth above. The Court cannot order payment of college but a Court may enforce a written property settlement agreement between the parties obligating payment of college.