Q: Can someone just stop paying for 50% of their childs needs if they are filing bankruptcy, if its a court order?
My fiances ex is filing for bankruptcy so she says. The child needs braces and 2 cavities filled and she is stating she will not be paying for them since she cant afford it. They have a court order that they both have to cover 50% of medical and dental cost. Is there something we can do about this? Can she just not pay for this leaving us to pay the almost $7,000?
A: No. The child’s braces and the like are not dischargeable in bankruptcy and he can be held in contempt for failing to pay as ordered.
A: Domestic support obligations are not discharged in bankruptcy, so even if she files bankruptcy she would still owe this money (presumably, if she is required to pursuant to the court order). However, how would you get it if she just doesn't have it?
Jane E. Probst agrees with this answer
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.