The children's aunts, uncles, and cousins often visit you, and the children should have an opportunity to know their extended family. In 1993 Massachusetts lawmakers gave judges discretion to order divorced parents to pay child support and college tuition until age 23 if the child is a full time undergraduate student. Married parents may terminate support when a child turns 18. We also question the constitutionality of targeting parents whose only crime was obtaining a legal divorce. The divorce judge may order one parent to pay all expenses, or allocate the expenses between parents based on their financial resources.
Stepparents have no financial obligations.
Ensure that both parents will apply for educational loans and supply colleges with financial information. Do not overlook application fees, test fees, travel expenses to visit colleges, and preparatory courses. If you expect both parents to pay, keep both parents involved in all aspects of the children's education. Parents should send the noncustodial parent copies of the children's report cards, test scores, and invitations to parent-teacher meetings. Noncustodial parents should help the children with homework during visits or ask to see completed assignments if the children only visit during school vacations.