Paying for Braces

NothingIsEverEnough · 2022-12-20T21:27:24+00:00

You decide what battles to fight
You did the right thing to handle your child’s needs
No you don’t need a lawyer. You can file a motion for contempt and reimbursement on your own (see bullet 1)

pk2at · 2022-12-20T20:42:50+00:00

All the best trying to enforce the decree. Wait time in my state is 1 year

CRobinsFly · 2022-12-20T21:21:50+00:00

Are you paying her CS? I'd adjust the amount to capture what she agreed to (hopefully this is in writing). Not saying it's advisable or 'right', just what I'd do - if she wants to get that money, let's go to court!

OutlawShah · 2022-12-20T21:57:59+00:00

If order says unreimbursed med expenses you should collect receipts of what you paid and then have your lawyer file a motion to have the courts order her to pay 50% of the amount.

Then getting it enforced will be your next challenge. When I worked at the child support office parents would ask about this all the time and we’d tell them to go to court and get an order for the specific amount even though the original order indicated the 50/50 split. If they came back with that order then we could enforce.

The issue for you might be that you guys don’t have an agency enforcing your case and it’s probably not worth getting more government actors involved if you already are taking care of this between yourselves.

Probably still worth getting the order though, the judge might be able to offset the amount against other money you might owe her.

1Cobbler · 2022-12-20T22:01:48+00:00

Will cost you more than it's worth to chase unfortunately.

What you can do is use it to change your custody arrangements. If she won't pay her half she shouldn't have access to the kids. Money will likely flow then.

RippedOffFather · 2022-12-20T22:48:41+00:00

Document it. Keep paperwork and conversations in a safe storage unit. Show your child things like this when they come of age. Let them see who was the real hero.

I wouldn’t pay child support to makeup for it and let her deal with the paperwork. Say you can’t afford the child support because you paid 100% of the medical expenses. See how the we’re broke works both ways?

captainchippsixx · 2022-12-21T01:59:32+00:00

Too bad. She’s needs to okay with her credit card. But she has you over a barrel. And this is so freaking common, even my case. I recommended standing your ground and seeing what she does.

Is there anything that you usually have to give her money for? Misc expenses that are repeats. Or a yearly expense that you have to pay her. Meaning can you say I paid the ortho so therefore I’m not paying the gymnastics 50% etc? Or bts clothes?

47omek · 2022-12-21T05:05:12+00:00

Getting reimbursement in court will cost more than it's worth. Best recourse is to wait for the ex to front some expenses and then short her reimbursements to an equal amount as the orthodontist.

Smoke-Porterhouse · 2022-12-21T06:01:05+00:00

Thanks very much for all of your replies. A couple clarifications:

CS is done through state AG office and is auto-withdrawal and can't be changed by me.
we have 50/50 joint decision/physical custody (week on, week off)
I realize it was dumb to not make her start paying her half earlier. My #1 priority was taking care of the kiddo, and I really did not think ex would be such a lowlife to not pay. I've learned my lesson on making any assumptions.
She never pays for anything ahead of time where I have to reimburse her. Ever.

I'm thinking the best thing is to find out if I can file the contempt on my own, and let her know that I'm preparing to go the legal route. Just the thought of that expense and potential embarrassment her might be enough to get her to get in some kind of payment plan with the ortho.

I'm in Texas, and my understanding is that the judges really don't like simple failures to comply with something so clearly stated in the decree. I may investigate the possibility of the judge modifying the CS order, or at least say that I am. Again, might be enough.

It's just incredibly sad and shitty that human beings can be so fucking selfish and careless when it comes to their children.

Thanks again for all the replies.

Funny_Wolverine_9 · 2022-12-20T23:41:40+00:00

Why oh why do men keep getting married and enabling these retarded individuals who can get by with doing whatever they want?

Men - please warn other men! The juice isn't worth the squeeze!

dday_throwaway3 · 2022-12-21T10:39:14+00:00

Do a cost benefit analysis. Bringing this to court now will cost you thousands of dollars.

Title	Paying for Braces
Author	Smoke-Porterhouse
Upvotes	3
Comments	17
Date	December 20, 2022 8:37 PM UTC (3 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/Divorce_Men
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/Divorce_Men/comments/zqyy4l/paying_for_braces/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/Divorce_Men/paying-for-braces.1144695 https://theredarchive.com/post/1144695

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