College and Adult Child Support in Kansas: Post-Secondary and Disabled Children

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Kansas child support does not cover college by court order alone: it takes a written agreement approved by the court. We found no provision in the sections we read for a disabled adult child.

Does child support cover college in Kansas?

Not by court order alone. The statute lets support continue past 18 in three ways: a written agreement approved by the court, the high school rule to June 30, and the extension through the school year of the 19th birthday for a high school student (K.S.A. 23-3001(b)). It does not list college expenses as a category the court can order without the parents’ written agreement.

Can parents agree to pay for college in Kansas?

Yes. A written agreement approved by the court can provide support or education expenses beyond 18, so a college clause in a divorce settlement can be enforced. Put the amount, the schools, grade conditions and an end date in the agreement and have the court approve it.

Is there child support for a disabled adult child in Kansas?

We found no provision in the sections we read for support of an adult child with a disability beyond the rules above. If this is your situation, talk to a licensed Kansas attorney about your options before the 18th birthday.

What are the dates for a given birth date?

After those dates, college help comes only from a written agreement.

What does a court-approved agreement need?

The statute requires a written agreement approved by the court (23-3001(b)(1)). A handshake or an email exchange between the parents is not enough, so ask the court to approve the writing and make it part of the order.

How are payments made under an agreement?

Every order requiring support under the article requires payment through the central unit unless the court finds good cause, and a written agreement to pay directly, filed with the court, is good cause unless the court finds it is not in the child’s best interest; the payor must keep written proof of payment (23-3004).

Do I need a lawyer to write the agreement?

The statute does not require one, but because the court must approve the writing and the agreement then sets support beyond 18, a licensed Kansas attorney can make sure it is drafted so it can be enforced like other support, including through withholding (23-3103).

What if the child changes schools or takes a gap year?

Say so in the agreement. Without a term for it, you are left arguing about whether support continues. Include a date for proof of enrollment each term and what happens if the child does not enroll.

How should a college agreement be written?

• Which costs are covered: tuition, housing, books or a cap.
• Each parent’s share and when payments are due.
• Grade or enrollment conditions and what happens if the child leaves school.
• An end date or maximum number of years.
• Court approval so the agreement can be enforced.

Does a college agreement change the arrears I owe?

No. Installments already due stay owed whatever an agreement says about the future. Check your balance first and keep the two issues separate.

What about unpaid support from before?

It stays owed: see how long Kansas arrears last and the Kansas child support end date calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• K.S.A. 23-3001: minor children; support and education
• K.S.A. 23-3005: modification
• K.S.A. 23-3107: ending withholding
• K.S.A. 16-204: interest on support judgments

This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Kansas statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Kansas attorney.