Opinion ID: 2051202
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Order for Contribution for Postsecondary Education Expenses.

Text: The court ordered the parties to contribute to a fund, which we assume was to comply with Iowa Code section 598.21(5A) (Supp. 1997). This is a recent amendment defining a postsecondary education subsidy and providing specific guidelines for ordering parents to contribute to it. The subsidy is defined as an amount which either of the parties may be required to pay under a temporary order or final judgment or decree for educational expenses of a child who is between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two years if the child is regularly attending a course of vocational-technical training either as a part of a regular school program or under special arrangements adapted to the individual person's needs; or is, in good faith, a full-time student in a college, university, or community college; or has been accepted for admission to a college, university, or community college and the next regular term has not yet begun. Iowa Code § 598.1(8). Under the statute, [t]he court may order a postsecondary education subsidy if good cause is shown. a. In determining whether good cause exists for ordering a postsecondary education subsidy, the court shall consider the age of the child, the ability of the child relative to postsecondary education, the child's financial resources, whether the child is self-sustaining, and the financial condition of each parent. Iowa Code § 598.21(5A)(a). If the court determines that good cause is shown for ordering a postsecondary education subsidy, the statute provides the means for determining the parents' contribution. The court first determines the cost of postsecondary education, based on in-state tuition at a public institution in Iowa. In addition, any financial aid, scholarships or student loans should be considered as well as the ability of a child to earn money while attending school. The child's expected contribution is to be deducted from the total cost, and the court apportions the remainder, not to exceed one-third of the total amount each, to the parents. Iowa Code § 598.21(5A). Under this statute the court must first determine whether good cause exists for ordering a postsecondary education subsidy. To do so the court must assess the ability of the child relative to postsecondary education and the child's actual financial needs. This threshold issue must be resolved before the court goes to the next step of calculating and ordering the parties' contributions. The district court in this case did not, and could not, make the threshold determinations regarding Molly's ability relative to postsecondary education, her actual financial needs, or what in-state tuition will be at the time she reaches the appropriate age. (Molly was only seven at the time of the decree.) Further, by ordering the parents to contribute to a fund that is not required to be used for education and providing it may be paid directly to Molly in lieu of her education expenses, the court has exceeded the authority provided by section 598.21(5A). In addition, we note that providing a fund for the child to receive in lieu of education might be a disincentive to the child's seeking postsecondary education. We modify the decree by deleting the provision for the postsecondary education fund and remand the case to the district court for the entry of an amended decree reserving jurisdiction to consider an application for postsecondary education when the necessary findings may more appropriately be made. Michael's application for appellate attorney fees is denied. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED.