Q: I pay child support, can my ex make me pay for half of orthodontic even if she does not discuss the cost?
I am responsible for half that is not covered by insurance, but my ex did not discuss the cost before starting the process with the Dr.?
A: Look first at your divorce decree. Lots of times decrees require parties to consult. Then next question is whether the orthodontia is medically necessary. If it is medically necessary, the judge will probably make you help to pay even if your ex hasn't consulted with you before incurring the expense. Note: Medically necessary does not mean cosmetically necessary. You might want to consult with the orthodontist...go with your daughter to an appointment, to see what the deal is. Final question--is this something that you would want for your daughter? Don't just oppose it because you are annoyed at the way your ex has gone about the whole thing. You don't want to mess up your relationship with the daughter just because you are p.o.'d at the mother.
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