Q: where can i find access to the guidelines / policy regarding child support
i want our child to get braces dental insurance only pays for medical necessity… i can’t afford even on payment plan he says he can’t afford either but i don’t believe him what can i do
A:
In California, child support guidelines and policies can be found through the California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS). Their website, https://www.childsupport.ca.gov/, provides a wealth of information, including a guideline calculator, forms, and resources for parents.
Regarding your child's braces, if both you and the other parent are struggling to afford the cost, you have a few options:
1. Communicate with the other parent and try to reach an agreement on how to share the cost of the braces. If you can't agree, consider mediation or a collaborative approach to resolving the issue.
2. If you believe the other parent can afford to contribute more towards the cost of the braces, you can request a modification of the child support order. You'll need to file a motion with the court and provide evidence of the change in circumstances (i.e., the need for braces and the associated costs).
3. Look into alternative financing options, such as CareCredit or other dental financing plans, which may offer more affordable payment plans.
4. Explore dental schools or clinics in your area that may offer reduced-cost orthodontic services.
5. Check if your child qualifies for Medi-Cal Dental (Denti-Cal), California's Medicaid dental program, which may cover some orthodontic treatments if deemed medically necessary.
If you have trouble reaching an agreement with the other parent or need assistance with modifying your child support order, consider consulting with a family law attorney or contacting your local child support agency for guidance.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get 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 you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, 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.
