Regardless of a parent's marital situation, there is a common train of thought that most likely experience upon learning that their child has been accepted to college. First come feelings of pride and excitement that your child is taking this important and esteemed next step. Second come feelings of worry and panic as you wonder how you are going to pay for your child's college education.

These latter feelings may be more intensified if you are contemplating or going through a divorce. In Ohio, child support ends when children reach the age of 18 in most situations, and there is no legal requirement that a child support agreement factor in college costs. However, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that your child's other parent helps to pay for his or her higher education.

As previously stated, most states' family laws do not include any obligations or requirements regarding college and who should pay for it. However, some judges will include a college clause in the divorce decree, or parents can work it in if they reach a divorce settlement agreement through mediation or negotiation.

A college support agreement, which should be completely separate from the child support agreement, should detail which percentage of college expenses each parent is responsible for, taking into account tuition, room and board, books and other expenses. Any restrictions, such as which college the child should attend or the course of study, should be included as well.

There are a few options for the actual payment of the college funds. First, the money can be put in a trust or escrow account to be withdrawn when needed. Second, the money can be given to the custodial parent in a lump sum. That parent then has the responsibility to invest the money wisely and use it for the child's college education when the time comes.

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