Maine College Cost Contribution Estimator

No, Maine courts have no statutory authority to order either parent to pay college expenses. Under Title 19-A, child support ends when the child turns 18 or graduates high school (but no later than age 19). However, parents can voluntarily agree to college contribution terms in their divorce settlement, and if the agreement is specific and incorporated into the decree, the court will enforce it as a binding contract.

Since Maine courts cannot order college support, there are no statutory factors. When parents negotiate voluntary education clauses, common considerations include each parent's income and ability to pay, the child's academic record and chosen school, whether tuition caps will reference public university rates, and how 529 plan assets will be divided. The agreement must contain specific terms—percentages, dollar amounts, or defined benchmarks—to be enforceable.

There is no statutory cap since Maine courts cannot order college support. However, parents drafting education clauses commonly include voluntary caps, such as limiting contributions to in-state University of Maine tuition (approximately $12,500 annually for 2024-25) or capping total contributions at a specific dollar amount. Without a defined cap in the agreement, the obligation remains open-ended and subject to dispute.

Starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA, the parent who provides the most financial support must complete the form—not necessarily the parent with whom the child lives. If support is split 50/50, the higher-income parent files. Only that parent's income and assets (plus any stepparent's) are reported. Importantly, 529 plans owned by the non-filing parent are not reported on FAFSA, which can improve financial aid eligibility.

The 529 plan account owner retains legal control regardless of divorce. Maine courts may treat 529 accounts as marital assets during property division, potentially requiring the owner to pay half the value to the other parent or allowing the account to be divided. Because account owners can legally change beneficiaries or take non-qualified distributions, divorce agreements should include provisions restricting access and requiring annual statements to protect the child's college fund.

Yes, voluntary college contribution agreements are fully enforceable in Maine when properly drafted and incorporated into the divorce decree. The education clause must be specific and defined—stating exact percentages, dollar amounts, or clear benchmarks like 'in-state public university tuition.' Vague terms like 'reasonable share' are unenforceable. Include provisions for cost caps, academic requirements, and whether room and board are covered.

No, Maine has no statutory requirement for any college contribution, public or private. When parents negotiate voluntary education clauses, they can agree to private school costs, but most attorneys recommend capping contributions at public university rates. Without a specific provision addressing private school, disputes may arise if a child chooses an expensive private institution over an affordable public option.

Maine's statutory child support ends at age 18, or 19 if the child is still in high school under Title 19-A, §1653. Since courts cannot order college support, there is no statutory age limit. For voluntary education clauses in divorce agreements, parents typically specify an end date such as age 22, 23, or graduation from a four-year program—whichever occurs first. The agreement should also address maximum years of support and full-time enrollment requirements.