Divorce & College Expenses Salem Attorney

Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Lawyer

Non-custodial parents are frequently less than enthusiastic about paying the huge costs of a college education for their children. Depending on the age of the children at the time of divorce, college expenses may or may not have been dealt with in a child support agreement.

If you are divorcing now, and wondering how college and health insurance costs will be handled, or were divorced long ago and the support agreement is now being modified, contact attorney Thomas J. Barrett.

Massachusetts requires child support up to the age of 23 if the child is in college; otherwise, 21 is the age of majority. Children of unmarried parents have the same rights. Ironically, if you are not divorced, you have no obligation to pay for your child's college education.

State courts around the country are grappling with divorce and college expense issues, as many private colleges exceed $50,000 in tuition. Factors a court will weigh in awarding college expenses in child support are mostly common sense, for example, the ability of all parties to contribute. This includes income and funds to which the child has access. Reasonableness is required in the choice of school in terms of cost and appropriateness. The abilities of the child are considered, and both parents have rights to a voice in the major decisions.

Massachusetts law has guidelines on child support, but judges also have some discretion. With regard to providing health insurance for children, if a parent has health insurance through their employer, the judge may require that the child be included in that policy.

For the most complete and up-to-date information on divorce and college expenses, contact us for a consultation with Thomas J. Barrett. He is a thorough, caring and confident attorney with more than 35 years experience.