<p>No, my parents are legally divorced … My father is the non-custodial parent; mother is the custodial parent. Divorce decree contractually obligates parents to pay for college tuition based on proportion annual income — by the way, received bounced check from him (birthday), went to bank confirmed no funds, accounts became frozen … Going to file “worthless check” claim/complaint. He’ll have seven days to honor original check or face jail time (felony). Also, may try to damage his professional reputation, so he feels embarrassed. What do you think??</p>
<p>Someone earlier mentioned that in many states courts will only order community college tuition. I’ve looked at few cases in my state and the view is towards a state college if you qualify - flagship or directional -CC if you don’t. Unless you are a multimillionaire or HYPS is specified in the decree, it would be difficult to have a court order a hogh price school.</p>
<p>If worse comes to worse you and your mother can sue the father without an attorney. The best cast scenario is that he is in violation of court ordered child support or division of property or other court ordered agreement. If so, the court will will take a dim view on having its order violated. It will take some time to get it it in front of a judge but once you do the pro se (no attorney) rules will make the courtroom experience tolerable. Google will be a great help in a do it your self lawsuit. (BTW-Having a lawyer in the courtroom is always an advantage and the recommended way to go. Doing it yourself should be your last option).</p>
<p>The worst case scenario is that that your father is under no court order of college support. If so, it’s probably a he said, she said thing between father and mother and not likely to turn out well for you.</p>
<p>You can always escalate a conflict later if needed, but once you escalate it, it is almost impossible to deescalate it. In other words, be assertive in getting what was legally promised, but don’t unnecessarily get your father angrier than needed, or he may become even more motivated to fight you.</p>