MA Mod Req - Child almost 21

[northshore]

Child will be 21 in a few months. Ex taking my hubby to court in MA court for support according to guidelines, college, and misc. health expenses (co-pays, etc). Divorce granted in another state. Original divorce granted child support in divorce decree (17 years ago). Ex tried to divorce hubby a second time and brings him to court; gets a temporary order for child support in Massachusetts. Judge throws out motion for 2nd divorce. Temporary order dissolves as a result. Stipulation to Temporary orders filed by ex and my hubby the day of trial stating visitation and amount of child support (no college). We've been paying child support for 17 years and 1/2 college because we want him to get an education.

Ex wants college, more support, and misc. med costs. Her income and his income have gone up almost exactly the same in 17 years.

What do you think? Guidelines per week in Mass are a great deal more than we are paying.

 

[haiku]

In Ma. IF the child is a FULL TIME college student, child support can be granted until the age of 24.

College costs are extra, and can be negotiated....

 

[northshore]

Not disputing the fact that child support can continue until child is 23 (as far as MA law goes). College wasn't included, but as I said, we want him to go to school and would support half tuition until he's 23.

Wondering whether court will likely award more.

 

[haiku]

Oh yeah oops! 23...

I cannot imagine her getting anything but what is "normal" under the guidelines, have yo urun everything through the Ma. calculator, located at www.supportguidelines.com It will give you an estimate of what you should be paying.. I really doubt the court would make you pay all of college costs, If you are actually willing to pay half that should more than suffice.(I find court ordered college cost ridiculous- I would fight it tooth and nail-but hey thats just me...) and uninsured medical should be split anyway.

 

[FarmerJ]

If the adult child were willing and both you and spouse. Is there any reason you couldnt offer to the adult child to live under your roof while in college ?If the child were willing to continue higher ed in a new location ?

 

[northshore]

We've asked him to live with us and go to school. He won't move out of Mass.

As far as guidelines are concerned, we're talking a great deal more a year in child support. I willing to be reasonable, but $230 a week for one child and college too? We have another child and huge expenses going back and forth to visit our families in Massachusetts.

 

[haiku]

well then if ex wont be reasonable and deviate from the guidelines, I would be fighting the college costs, making sure to cite travel and other child in the home.