College and Adult Child Support in Wisconsin: Post-Secondary and Disabled Children
We found no Wisconsin provision for court-ordered college support in the sources we read; the duty runs to 18, or before 19 for a high school student. We could not verify a rule for disabled adult children.
Does child support cover college in Wisconsin?
The statute we read orders support for a child under 18, or under 19 in a high school course (Wis. Stat. 767.511(4)); it does not provide for support past that for college, and the state describes the duty as ending at 18 or 19 for high school (DCF). College help usually rests on a written agreement approved by the court.
Is there child support for a disabled adult child in Wisconsin?
We could not verify a provision in the sources we read, so we are not stating one. Ask a licensed Wisconsin attorney before the 18th birthday about your options, and bring medical and benefit records.
Can I get a stipulation for support owed to me?
You and the other parent may sign a stipulation reducing or eliminating past-due support owed to you; the court must approve it, it does not change support owed to the state, and it cannot be reversed (DCF).
Can I ask the court to change my order before the child turns 18?
Yes, by stipulation or motion under the revision statute, but arrears accrued before notice cannot be revised (Wis. Stat. 767.59(1m)). Raise college in the judgment early.
Does a college agreement bind the state?
No. Agreements between parents do not change what a parent owes the state (DCF).
Can Wisconsin parents agree to cover college?
Yes, by agreement; any agreement to reduce or eliminate support owed to a parent needs court approval to bind, and support owed to the state is not changed by it (DCF). Write the agreement into the judgment so it can be enforced.
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 it can be enforced.
What are the age limits for a given birth date?
| Child born | Turns 18 | High school support can run to | Turns 19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2012 | March 15, 2030 | June 30, 2030 | March 15, 2031 |
| August 31, 2011 | August 31, 2029 | August 31, 2029 | August 31, 2030 |
| November 2, 2015 | November 2, 2033 | November 2, 2033 | November 2, 2034 |
What about unpaid support from before?
It stays owed: see whether Wisconsin arrears expire or can be forgiven and the Wisconsin child support end date calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does Wisconsin child support cover college?
We found no court-ordered college support in the sources we read.
Is there Wisconsin support for a disabled adult child?
We could not verify a provision; ask a licensed attorney.
Can Wisconsin parents agree to share college costs?
Yes, in a written agreement the court approves.
Does a Wisconsin stipulation change what is owed to the state?
No.
Do Wisconsin arrears survive after support ends?
Yes. Installments already owed stay owed.
Official sources
- DCF: when child support ends
- DCF: collecting past-due child support
- Wis. Stat. 767.59: revision
- DCF: reviewing a court order
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Wisconsin statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Wisconsin attorney.