Student’s Child Support Denied For Withholding School Records
by
Joseph C. Maya on May. 05, 2017
Divorce & Family Law Divorce & Family Law Child Support Other Education
Summary: Blog post about a father who was not required to make a child support payment for his daughter's college tuition when she refused to provide her financial and academic records to him.
If you have questions about divorce, legal separation, alimony pendente lite, or alimony in Connecticut, please feel free to call the experienced divorce attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. in Westport today at 203-221-3100 or email Joseph C. Maya, Esq. at JMaya@Mayalaw.com.
The court denied a motion for child support, because the child refused to authorize the release of his college financial information to the spouse from whom support was being sought.“Academic records” as used in statute for post-majority educations support, includes financial records needed for assessment of child’s needs, in addition to records concerning academic performance.
The parties’ marriage was dissolved on December 13, 2006. A separation agreement was incorporated, and provided that “either party may file a motion or petition for an educational support order at a subsequent date.” The parties’ only child requested an additional $3,000 to pay for her tuition at Eastern Connecticut State University. The plaintiff father objected to the request, alleging he had insufficient information on her financial needs, and was entitled to view information from the University to make an informed decision for the payment of his daughter’s education.The court granted the father’s objection. Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-56c requires a child to makes available all academic records to both parents during the term of the order. The defendant argued that all necessary financial information had already been supplied to the plaintiff, and that academic records as defined by statute regard solely her grades and academic standing. The court denied this argument. Without access to the daughter’s financial information regarding loans, grants, income and availability of financial aid from other supplier, the father could not make an informed decision.
For a free consultation, please do not hesitate to call the experienced family law and divorce attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. in Westport, CT at 203-221-3100. We may also be reached for inquiries by email at JMaya@mayalaw.com.
Source: 61 L. CONN. RPTR. No. 20, 783'785 (May 2, 2016)
