Most divorce agreements now anticipate how college tuition and costs will be shared between the parents. If the agreement is silent on college tuition and costs, a Family Court Judge may still rule on the division of expenses. In addition to tuition, there are many other expenses parents may not have anticipated as their adolescent and adult children move towards financial independence. Below are listed some of the post divorce expenses you may or may not have thought about.

• Cell phones — parents may balk at continuing to pay for an adult child’s cell phone and service, yet the fact remains that it is increasingly the only way to reach an over 18 year old. Parents should keep in mind that the cell phone is now a central tool they can employ to build and maintain a good relationship with their teen, especially via texting apps.
• Medical expenses and insurance — unless an adult child is working and has medical benefits through work, parents are stuck with this expense until they are employed.
• Living and transportation expenses — Even if an adult child is living in the home of one parent, they incur expenses. Both parents should consider all such expenses, including food, clothing, auto, auto insurance, and then work these expenses into their agreement. They also should include a sunset clause stating the age at which children may continue to live at home with one of the parents.
• Book fees, computers, and activity fees — In addition to tuition, room, and board costs, there are book fees, computers, and activity fees to consider. In an increasing number of schools, students are required to use digital tablets or laptops, which they must acquire at their own expense, including insurance for those high tech gadgets.
• Dental expenses — regular dental cleanings and checkups are often not covered for children over the age of 18.
• Eyeglasses and contact lenses — corrective eye wear can be a huge expense, and one that an adult child may not be ready to cover until they are established in the working world.

If you had a fairly amicable divorce and can speak directly to your ex about these expenses; can go together to a mediator; or are willing to participate in a collaborative process post-divorce; consider modifying your agreement to include these items on a consensual basis.

If you are divorcing, it is prudent to anticipate the fact that your adult children will continue to cost you money for some time to come. The skilled family law attorneys at Hanan M. Isaacs, P.C., will help you build a workable divorce agreement or post-divorce modification that accounts for upcoming or past changes in your family’s situation. To sample our “compassionate counsel and tough advocacy”, please call 609-683-7400 or contact us online to make an appointment at our convenient Central New Jersey office.