Boston Divorce Lawyer: Disputes Over College Expenses

At Turco Legal, our Boston divorce attorneys provide reliable, solutions-focused advocacy to clients managing disputes over children’s college expenses with the other parent during and after a divorce. Our family law team works to help divorced/separated parents find the best way to manage their children’s college costs. Therefore, if you have specific questions or concerns about the division of college costs, contact us for a confidential consultation with an experienced Boston lawyer. Call us at (617) 657-4878 or contact us online.

Understanding College Expense Obligations Under Massachusetts Law

The rising cost of higher education places considerable financial pressure on families, particularly those navigating post-divorce financial arrangements. As a matter of fact, according to data from U.S. News and World Report, the average cost of college tuition is up 144 percent since 2002. This far outpaces the rate of inflation or wage growth. In Massachusetts, college expenses may be incorporated into child support obligations, depending on the family’s financial circumstances. Here are three key points to keep in mind:

• Parents May Be Required to Contribute to College Costs
  Massachusetts courts have the discretion to require parents to contribute to their child’s college expenses, even after the child reaches the age of 18. In some cases, this obligation may continue until the child turns 23. The amount a parent is expected to contribute is based on several factors, including financial resources and the child’s needs.
• The UMass Cap as a Guideline
  The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a presumptive cap on how much a parent should be required to contribute for their child’s college education. This cap is called the “UMass cap” because it is equivalent to half of the combined in-state resident cost of tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board at the state’s flagship public undergraduate school, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. However, courts have the authority to deviate from this cap if circumstances justify a higher contribution.
• Individual Circumstances Matter
  Each case is assessed based on its unique facts. If a parent has significant financial resources, a court may determine that a greater contribution is appropriate. Conversely, if a parent demonstrates financial hardship, the court may reduce the expected contribution. These decisions are made based on a thorough review of each party’s financial situation.

Mediation as a Path to Resolution

When disagreements arise over college expenses, mediation can be an effective way to reach a resolution without the stress and expense of litigation.  In Massachusetts, the mediation process is a type of non-binding alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Mediation allows parents to work collaboratively in a structured environment to find a fair and workable solution. This approach is particularly beneficial when both parents are willing to engage in good-faith negotiations and prioritize their child’s best interests.

If you and your co-parent are seeking to resolve a college expense dispute through mediation, our attorneys can provide guidance and facilitate productive discussions.

How Our Boston Family Lawyers Can Assist You

Navigating college expense disputes requires both legal knowledge and practical problem-solving. At Turco Legal, we are committed to helping parents find fair, sustainable solutions. Our attorneys can assist by:

• Explaining Massachusetts laws on college expense obligations;
• Reviewing financial documents to assess each parent’s capacity to contribute; and
• Developing a legal strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.

Contact Our Boston Family Law Attorneys

At Turco Legal, we are dedicated to providing clear, informed legal counsel to parents navigating college expense disputes. If you have questions about your obligations or need guidance on reaching an agreement, we are here to help. Contact us at (617) 657-4878 to schedule a consultation. We serve clients in Boston, Suffolk County, and the surrounding communities.