Paying for Spouse’s Tuition?

Question of the Day:

My wife is talking about a divorce. She just started going back to school this semester. She says that I'm going to be responsible for her tuition until she graduates regardless if we are married or not. I would think that upon divorce her school would become her responsibility, especially since I've already paid for college for her in the past. Any suggestions for figuring this one out?  – John

Answer:

John: It depends on a lot of factors, such as marital assets available, length of the marriage and incomes of the parties.  Some husbands are happy to pay for a spouse’s tuition because it means there is a defined end to the payments and a degree will decrease a spouse’s need for alimony.  You may need a financial planner or a mediator to work it out.