Laws differ from state to state, but in general a child becomes an adult at the age of 18. When they become an adult under the eyes of the law that means that in many states a parent's obligation to pay child support ends at the same time. As most Florida parents will tell you, despite their adult status under the law, your children still need your support physically, emotionally and financially.

Sending your child to college is often a part of that support, but it is becoming more and more difficult to pay for in this economy and with the increasing costs of college tuition. For divorced parents, there comes the concern of whether or not they will be able to rely on their ex to help foot the bill.

One way to protect yourself and your child when it comes to college education is to set terms in a custody agreement. The terms can include everything from how college tuition to travel expenses will be paid for. Payment can be divided by percentage to be paid by each parent. It can be determined by setting a pre-determined amount. Parents can divide cost by type of expense.

College arrangements can go beyond the monetary cost and into restrictions and requirements concerning the type of college. Will it be private or public? Will there be a religious requirement or exclusion? Will there be a distance limitation? Will the child be able to live off campus or must they remain in a dorm?

The sky is the limit if you act now. The sooner you act, the more control that you have over setting the terms of your child's college experience in an agreement executed before the divorce. If you already have an agreement in place that does not include college terms, discuss your situation with an experienced family law attorney. They can discuss your options and find a solution that fits for you.

Source: Forbes, "Who Pays for College Tuition? Top Factors for Divorcing Women to Consider," Jeff Landers, Jan. 24, 2012