Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts
child support vs college costs
My stepson is going off to college out of state and his mother is expecting us to continue with the same amount of child support as well as 1/2 the cost of tuition, room and board and all other fees. The agreement states that the costs are shared, with no other description of our need to contribute. We were not included in the decision for college, which college, financial aid or anything else as my stepson has cut off all contact with us. My question is as follows: Is it worthwhile to now pay an attorney to assist in lowing the child support and exploring how much we should contribute toward his eduction, or just keep on paying the mother the same amount each month and pay 1/2 all school charges. Lawyer's fees are not cheap and I don't quite know what is worthwhile pursuing as all laws seem to be quite against the noncustodial parent.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: child support vs college costs
It is unlikely that a court would lower the amount of child support. And if it has been some time since the amount of child support was set, it is likely it would increase, possible by quite a bit.
Obviously, it makes more sense to spend the money on your stepson's education than a lawyer, but if the mother expects to get half of a high-price college education without consulting the father about his resources and how much college can be supported, she may be in for a rude awakening. On the other hand, if your husband has the financial ability and just feels put upon because his son has not wanted anything to do with him, he may be the one smelling the coffee. And why isn't he asking the question?
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