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    AngieV's Avatar
    AngieV Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Oct 24, 2012, 01:45 PM
    Is the custodial parent responsible for medical bills
    In my divorce decree it states I pay 50% off medical/dental after Insurance. Am I required to pay that upfront or does the custodial parent need to send me a bill on whatever it's concerning and do I have 30days to pay it back to her? I've heard different stories and it's not clear in our divorce decree,
    Missouri

    Thanks,
    Jeff
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
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    #2

    Oct 24, 2012, 01:53 PM
    How do you know what to pay until there is a bill? Generally, you expenses are incurred and the custodial parent tells the NCP what they owe.
    AngieV's Avatar
    AngieV Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Oct 24, 2012, 02:23 PM
    She is wanting me to pay half of the down payment on braces and half the amount she pays until it's paid in full. It shows I need to pay 50% after insurance so do I pay upfront or wait for a bill from her?
    Thanks
    cdad's Avatar
    cdad Posts: 12,700, Reputation: 1438
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    #4

    Oct 24, 2012, 03:03 PM
    You call the dentist and see what is going to be paid by your insurance. Then ask about the balance.
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
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    #5

    Oct 24, 2012, 03:05 PM
    Has the orthodontist given an estimate of what insurance will cover? Usually they charge a flat fee so they know what the balance will be. I don't see anything unreasonable about paying half of what she pays as long as you returns half of any refund.
    AngieV's Avatar
    AngieV Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Oct 24, 2012, 03:40 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by ScottGem View Post
    Has the orthodontist given an estimate of what insurance will cover? Usually they charge a flat fee so they know what the balance will be. I don't see anything unreasonable about paying half of what she pays as long as you returns half of any refund.

    Yes they have given and estimate it's 1000.00 down and 200.00 a month. The insurance only pays 1500.00 we are still having to pay 5500.00. I will pay her half as long as I know she has paid it first. I don't trust her to pay the orthodontist, because she has tried to get me to pay medical bills this summer after she knew they insurance did a contractual adjustment and lowered the bill. I found out by calling the billing department or she would had never told me. I don't mind paying my share as long as I know she has paid it first. Is that too much to ask, if it's not stated in the divorce decree?
    AngieV's Avatar
    AngieV Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Oct 24, 2012, 03:42 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by califdadof3 View Post
    You call the dentist and see what is going to be paid by your insurance. Then ask about the balance.
    She has giving me a quote from the orthodontist after insurance pays. I just want to make sure she pays her share before I pay mine back to her. She want's me to pay the orthodontist but I'm not sure she will pay them on her half, then would they hold me liable on what she doesn't pay?
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
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    #8

    Oct 24, 2012, 04:19 PM
    So tell the orthodontist that you will pay your share directly to them. Tell them you are not responsible for her share. If the orthodontists comes after you for the balance you sue her for her share.
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #9

    Oct 24, 2012, 05:19 PM
    Does not work that way, you can not require her to pay YOUR HALF and you pay her back, you are to pay YOUR HALF to the doctor unless she provides you with a paid bill.

    So you know how much your 1/2 is, you write a check to the doctor each month.
    AngieV's Avatar
    AngieV Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #10

    Oct 24, 2012, 08:25 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck View Post
    Does not work that way, you can not require her to pay YOUR HALF and you pay her back, you are to pay YOUR HALF to the doctor unless she provides you with a paid bill.

    So you know how much your 1/2 is, you write a check to the doctor each month.
    OK thank you for the information :)
    teacherjenn4's Avatar
    teacherjenn4 Posts: 4,005, Reputation: 468
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    #11

    Oct 24, 2012, 09:11 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by AngieV View Post
    ok thank you for the information :)
    Definitely pay the orthodontist directly. Make sure you get a receipt for each payment. Hopefully, if you speak directly to the billing person, they will work with you. Let them know about your situation.
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