Newburyport Family Law & Divorce Attorney: Understanding Disputes Over College Expenses

At Turco Legal, our Newburyport family law attorney offers experienced and thoughtful guidance for divorced and separated parents. Our team is here to help you navigate the complexities of post-divorce financial matters, including the division of college expenses. If you have questions about how college costs are managed after divorce or separation, we are a trusted resource to assist you. To arrange a confidential consultation with an experienced Massachusetts family law attorney to understand college expense disputes, please contact our Newburyport office.

What to Know About Parental Responsibility for College Expenses in Massachusetts

The cost of a college education continues to rise, presenting a significant financial challenge for many families. According to U.S. News and World Report, average tuition costs have increased dramatically—by 144% at private colleges and 210% at public universities since 2002. For divorced or separated parents in Massachusetts, determining how to share the financial responsibility for a child’s college expenses can be both stressful and complex. The state’s child support guidelines play a key role in determining how these costs are divided. Below are three essential points to understand about Massachusetts law on this matter.

• Parental Obligation for College Costs
  In Massachusetts, a parent may be required to contribute to their child’s college expenses, including tuition, room and board, and other related costs. The law allows for this financial obligation to extend beyond the child’s 18th birthday, with support potentially continuing until the child reaches 23 years of age. The amount a parent may be expected to contribute depends on various factors, including their financial circumstances.

• The Presumptive UMass Cap on College Contributions
  Massachusetts law includes a provision commonly referred to as the “UMass cap.” This guideline suggests that parents should not be required to pay more than 50% of the in-state tuition, fees, and room and board at the University of Massachusetts—Amherst. However, this cap is not absolute. In cases where a parent has the financial means to contribute more, a court may order a higher payment, especially for tuition at private or out-of-state institutions.
• Judicial Discretion in College Expense Disputes
  Disputes over college expenses are inherently complex and handled on a case-by-case basis. While the UMass cap serves as a guideline, judges have significant discretion in determining the fair allocation of college costs. Factors such as financial ability and the child’s needs may influence the court’s decision.

Mediation as a Path to Resolving College Expense Disputes

For many divorced or separated parents, mediation offers an effective and collaborative way to resolve disagreements over college costs. This non-binding and non-adversarial process emphasizes problem-solving in a lower-conflict environment, which can be particularly beneficial in family law cases. Mediation provides an opportunity to work together toward a mutually agreeable solution, rather than through prolonged litigation. If you’re interested in learning more about how mediation can assist with resolving college expense disputes, we encourage you to contact our Newburyport family law mediator.

Why Work with the Family Law Attorneys at Turco Legal

Navigating the division of college expenses can be one of the more challenging aspects of divorce or separation. At Turco Legal, we take a thoughtful, solution-oriented approach to each case. Our goal is to help you find the most suitable legal solution for your family. As part of our approach, our Newburyport family law attorneys are committed to:

• Hear your story and conduct a comprehensive review of your case;
• Gather and organize financial records and other relevant information; and,
• Develop a strategy designed to find the best answer for your child’s college expenses.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation with Our Newburyport Family Law Attorney

If you are facing a dispute over college expenses or have questions about your rights and responsibilities, Turco Legal is here to help. Contact us today at (978) 225-9030 or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced family law attorney. We provide comprehensive family law and divorce representation in Newburyport and throughout Essex County.