College Planning For Massachusetts Families
When your child reaches age 18, their financial needs often shift from basic day-to-day care to the high costs of college. In Massachusetts, the law recognizes this transition. Under the Child Support Guidelines, the court has the authority to make orders for children aged 18 or older, but these orders are not automatic – they are left to the judge’s discretion.
College planning attorney Erica M. Foster understands that you want the best for your child’s future while also protecting your own financial stability. She helps families in Danvers and across the North Shore navigate these complex rules so that everyone knows what to expect when the first tuition bill arrives.
When Does Child Support End In Massachusetts?
In many states, child support stops the moment a child turns 18. However, Massachusetts is different. The Massachusetts college contribution law recognizes that young adults (up to 23 years old) often still need financial help from their parents while they attend school.
Options For Paying For College
College planning attorney Erica M. Foster helps parents understand that for children between the ages of 18 and 23, there are two primary options for financial support. These can be ordered separately or together, depending on what is fair for your family.
Ongoing Child Support For College Students
Even after high school graduation, a judge may order child support to continue. This is common if the child still lives at home with one parent and depends on them for “maintenance” (food, housing, and general expenses). At 21-22, support can continue only if the child is enrolled in a full-time educational program and remains financially dependent.
The probate and family court will decide whether to approve this ongoing child support. The judge will look at the child’s living situation, their academic progress, and the financial resources of both parents before deciding.
Contribution To Post-Secondary Educational Expenses
Distinct from monthly child support, the court can order one or both parents to pay specifically for college expenses. This is called a “Contribution to Post-Secondary Educational Expenses,” and includes “direct costs” like tuition and mandatory fees, as well as “indirect costs” like housing, meal plans, and books. The judge can decide that a parent should pay for post-secondary education support instead of child support, or they can order both if the parent has the financial ability.
How Erica M. Foster Can Help
As a college planning attorney, Erica does more than just argue in court – she helps families plan for the future. She works closely with parents to draft clear, detailed agreements that spell out who is responsible for tuition, room and board and even application fees. When a child transitions into college life, such as moving into a dorm, she guides parents through modifying existing child support orders to reflect the new circumstances.
A common concern for parents is “double dipping” – paying full child support while also paying for a dorm room and meal plan. In Massachusetts, the law requires judges to look at the big picture. If a judge orders a parent to contribute to college costs, they must also consider how that payment affects the existing child support order. Erica ensures the court sees the total financial impact on her clients so that the final order is fair and sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions About College Planning
Preparing for college involves many important steps, from academic planning to financial preparation. Here are some frequently asked questions about college planning.
Can a Massachusetts judge order me to pay for my child’s college?
Yes. Massachusetts is one of the few states where a probate and family court judge has the power to order divorced parents to contribute to the costs of a child’s undergraduate education. This is not automatic, but it is very common. The judge will look at the financial resources of both parents and the child before making a decision.
What is the “UMass Cap,” and how does it limit costs?
To keep things fair, Massachusetts uses a benchmark called the UMass Cap. Since college costs vary wildly between a state school and a private Ivy League university, the courts needed a standard “reasonable” price. The court uses UMass Amherst as the model. For the 2025–2026 school year, the standard cost (including tuition, fees, housing, meals and $1,200 for books) is $37,015. In many cases, a judge will not force a parent to pay more than 50% of what it would cost to attend UMass Amherst, even if the child chooses a more expensive private school.
How does the new FAFSA Simplification Act affect divorced parents?
The rules for financial aid have changed recently. Previously, the “custodial parent” (the one the child lived with most) filled out the FAFSA. Now, the parent who provides the most financial support must complete the form. Erica helps parents determine who should be the filer to ensure the child receives the best possible financial aid package.
Plan Today For Your Child’s Education
The best time to plan for college is before the applications are sent. Whether you are currently divorcing or need to update an old agreement, attorney Erica M. Foster is ready to advocate for you. She proudly serves clients in Danvers, Beverly, Peabody, Salem and throughout Essex County. Call the firm at 978-605-4105 or fill out the online contact form to schedule your free initial consultation with Erica.