Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Minnesota

Q: Am I eligible for reimbursement of educational expenses after divorce in Minnesota?

I paid for my wife to attend college using our joint account while I was working, and she completed her education during our marriage. We are now divorcing after two years. Considering she didn't have a job at the time, am I eligible for any type of reimbursement or compensation for the educational expenses in Minnesota?

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: In Minnesota, assets acquired before marriage are generally considered separate property and are not subject to division during divorce. However, if marital funds were used to pay for your wife's education, this could influence the division of assets. Courts may consider reimbursement for contributions made during the marriage, especially if one spouse's education enhanced their earning capacity. citeturn0search0

Additionally, while Minnesota law does not mandate parents to contribute to their children's college expenses, any agreements or contributions made during the marriage can be factored into asset division. citeturn0search1

Given the complexities surrounding contributions to education and asset division, it's advisable to consult with a legal professional to assess your specific situation and determine any potential claims for reimbursement or compensation.

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.