I share joint custody with my ex in AZ. She refuses to consult with me over medical issues or most any issues for that matter. She has taken him to a medical provider outside of my insurance that is very expensive & is expecting me to reimburse her for the several hundred dollar co-pay (even though it would've been free if she went to an in-network provider). Can I refuse to pay it as she did not consult with me before taking them? Thanks!

I share joint custody with my ex in AZ. She refuses to consult with me over medical issues or most any issues for that matter. She has taken him to a medical provider outside of my insurance that is very expensive & is expecting me to reimburse her for the several hundred dollar co-pay (even though it would've been free if she went to an in-network provider). Can I refuse to pay it as she did not consult with me before taking them? Thanks!


What does the Court Order say about this?

Just that we were awarded joint legal custody.

Yes you can refuse to pay. But the courts may end up forcing you to pay. But that may not be bad either as the issue would have to pass through the courts. If your ex is trying to bring financial hardship to you the courts won't like it.

Tell her you will not pay and if she wants to take it to court. If she does, you explain to the court that there was a perfectly good physician in network that would not have incurred these costs. Since she refused to consult with before taking your child to this other doctor, you didn't feel you should be responsible for the extra costs involved. Let the court sort it out.

Tell her you will not pay and if she wants to take it to court. If she does, you explain to the court that there was a perfectly good physician in network that would not have incurred these costs. Since she refused to consult with before taking your child to this other doctor, you didn't feel you should be responsible for the extra costs involved. Let the court sort it out.


That's what I did. Thank you so much for your help!

You are welcome. Let us know how it works out.