CO-PARENTING AGREEMENTS FOR COLLEGE TUITION AND SUPPORTING ADULT CHILDREN

Lately, it is becoming more common for co-parents to express desired agreements and plans to pay for college and support non-minor adult children. I always advise that, yes, parties can make such agreements and arrangements, but enforcement, should there be a future conflict or dispute, becomes murky. In Michigan, there is no obligation to support a pay for college, advanced education or support a non-minor adult child. Once a child reaches the age of 18 (or, until age 19.5 if they are still in high school), they are not required to be supported no matter what a parent might think, hope or want. Agreements can be made about regular contributions to 529 plans, apportionment of college costs and other things like cars and the like – but, these are voluntary agreements that cannot be forced nor compelled by the Court for a parent to pay for or support adult children. Should you have any questions, please contact us.