Child support is meant to cover many of the expenses associated with caring for a child, but what happens when an extraordinary cost arises? A common source of expenses for children is orthodontic work, like braces. Does the non-custodial parent have to pay for that too? The answer is usually yes, but there are some things that both parents should know about how a big expense like braces can be handled. Our Morris County, NJ child support attorneys can tell you more.
Is Child Support Meant for Medical Expenses Like Braces?
Normally, a custodial parent pays for the first $250 in medical expenses for their child. Once costs rise above that, the costs should be split among both parents. Usually this is done by income. So if one parent makes far more money than the other parent, they would be on the hook for more of these expenses.
Unfortunately, health insurance does not cover everything, so it’s highly likely that your children will have more than $250 in healthcare expenses during the year. Even if the services they need are covered by insurance, there are still co-pays, deductibles, and other potential costs to worry about. So if you are the parent paying child support, you should also be putting aside money that could be used for these surprise expenses.
What Happens if a Child Does Need Braces?
Now braces are often one of the most expensive treatments a child is going to need growing up. Many kids start to experience dental and orthodontic issues once their permanent teeth grow in, so it’s important to get them checked out by an orthodontist as soon as possible.
However, even if the braces are covered under your or your ex’s insurance policy, they are still likely to be a significant expense. There are checkups to attend and sometimes orthodontic treatments take longer than expected. Your child support is likely to go towards this expense, but you are probably going to have to contribute additional money on top of that.
What If the Braces Are Just Cosmetic?
In some cases, people just want braces for cosmetic reasons. Their teeth are mostly fine, but they want to correct a minor issue or make their smile just a little straighter. In these cases, a parent paying child support may not need to contribute to the expense of braces as they are not medically necessary. Your lawyer can help you address this.
Can a Lawyer Help Me?
Your lawyer can help you negotiate with your former spouse when it comes to big expenses like braces. Who should pay and how much is often an area where there is some wiggle room. It may also be possible to work out a deal where you pay off your portion of this expense over time. If your ex tries to bring you to court over a big expense like this, having a lawyer on your side can be quite helpful.
Contact Our Child Support Attorneys
If you are confused about your current child support agreement or what it covers, we may be able to help. Contact Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark to schedule a consultation with our team and we can help you address costly items like braces.
