Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Re: child support

If you were divorced from your wife and had a Separation Agreement, it should all be spelled out in there.

Normally, child support stops at age 18 or graduation from high school only if the child does not attend college and is full time living at home (that includes dorming). Child support obligations in MA can go till age 23.

Re: child support

If your child is a full time college student, you will have to continue to pay child support and you will be expected to contribute to your child's college tuition.

Re: child support

It depends on what your separation agreement says. You should have an attorney review the agreement and advise you of your rights before the end of the school year, and no later than 5/1/2009;

If you need assistance, contact me.

Re: child support

The way your last order is written determines whether the child support automatically stops. However, the reality is that Massachusetts law gives the Courts discretion to order contribution to "support, maintenance, and education" through age 21 for those children who remain principally dependent on the parent with who the children are domiciled, and through age 23 or one bachelor's degree (whichever comes first) for those who are continuing their education.

You need to be prepared to continue some amount of support, so long as your child is continuing with education or reasonable job training, and the child resides with the other parent.

As I am sure other attorneys who replied have said, I would be happy to consult with you further. Please feel free to contact me. My website is www.gregleelaw.com, and my email is [email protected].