In our divorce decree the children are to be covered by fathers insurance. The dental office when I first set up my kids appts. said the bills would have to be sent to him because the insurance is in his name. Well, he is not paying the bills. I pay all the up front fees they ask for because he never takes them to get work done. He says they don't need it because its too expensive but they have severly buck teeth and need braces. He spends lots of money on medical bills etc. for his girlfriend and her kids though. My kids really want the braces but it looks like I will have to find a way to pay up front cost and bills after insurance. The dentist will not continue to see them otherwise. We have a so-called 50-50 arrangement according to the decree but he just isn't doing his part. I don't know if I should just scrape on by or if I should really try to modify custody and residency so I can get help for my kids. Isn't his disregard for their physical well being child neglect and abuse?
2006-09-26 15:35:41 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Absolutely! You didn't make your children yourself! He should step up to the plate and stop neglecting his children, especially if he can manage to pay for his girlfriend and her kids. I would definitely take him to court for this. He is not doing what he agreed by law that he would do. Good luck, I'm hoping things will turn out okay for you and your children!
2006-09-26 15:43:26 · answer #1 · answered by chokingmeup 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Actually you two divorcing was the beginning of the disregard to the physical well being, neglect and abuse. You have no idea where he spends his money, so back off with the girlfriend/kids comment. It seems like his bills are his bills let the bill collector earn their pay. Next, turn in the cell phones and cable TV and any other money sucking luxury you have and teach your children the difference between wants and needs in life. That should loosen up some money to spend on those crooked teeth, Gee they will only be in braces for 2 years.
If you hire a lawyer it will cost you more than the darn braces in the first place.
2006-09-26 22:58:59 · answer #2 · answered by lily 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I have had the same problem in the past with my ex-husband. Have you tried talking to the friend of the court? Is it court ordered that he pay half of the bills? If so he's violating a court order and I would talk to an attorney to get this taken care of. In some places there are low cost dental clinics that may be able to help you out in this situation. Who has primary physical custody of the kids? If it's him then it could be considered neglect. Once again I would consult a lawyer. If they are living with you I'm not sure. But again I would consult a lawyer. Good Luck!
2006-09-26 22:52:36 · answer #3 · answered by ajsad36 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Technically it does not fall under abuse/neglect. As their father, he is expected to pay 50% of their uncovered medical expenses, and yes this includes dental. Based on that 50-50 agreement he has to cover it. Unfortunately, sometimes the only way to get it is to pay the money out of your pocket first and sue him for his half after. It can take some time especially now that suing people is so popular. Try contacting human services in your area to see if they have any programs to help. Sorry I couldn't be more help.
2006-09-26 22:41:13 · answer #4 · answered by Social_D 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'd report him to the divorce court and wait for the courts to issue an order for him to come up with his side of the deal. They're his kids too and 50-50 is the correct way to go about it. If he doesn't pay for it, have the court demand payment for and in behalf of the kids. Lets see if he gives the court the same cold shoulder treatment.
2006-09-27 06:41:48 · answer #5 · answered by Equinox 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
actually if you have a court order for the kids to be on his insurance and he has to pay atleast 50% of the medical bills then you can consult an attorney and get him for contempt of a court order and make him pay any back charges you have had to pay out of pocket on his part. start keeping all reciepts of what you pay for on your children this way if you go to court later on this they can be able to have proof of what they need to divide evenly and assess to him to pay and catch up. by the way it is considered neglect but not abuse. it is another form of neglect but i can't think of the name right now. GET AN ATTORNEY TAKE HIM TO COURT. don't tell him any thing let him find out when he is served papers to appear in court before the judge on such&such date . then you can sit back and smile . also if he harrasses you after wards about you taking him to court constantly and threatens you , then you can get an order of protection and supervised visitation. then he will really be pissed.
2006-09-27 11:56:41 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I used to be a collector. UNLESS this varies from state to state, when I was a collector 8 years ago, in the case of divorced couples, the spouse informs the creditor (in this case, your dentist office) that they are divorced, and you're immediately "forgiven" of 50% of the bill, and the future collection attempts go to the husband.
2006-09-26 22:48:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
he made the kids, you didn't do it on your own.
You have a Court set agreement for him to pay 50% if he's not holding up his side, take him back to Court. Don't let this jerk get away with his B.S. you didn't bring these kids into the world on your own. Instead of paying for someone else's kids he should be paying for his own.
2006-09-26 22:39:49 · answer #8 · answered by Daughtry-luver 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes he is responsible for helping with the children's dental work. If he isn't willing to help then you need to fight back. It's not fair to the children or you to have to deal with his negligence. If you can't afford a lawyer, try your local Social Services office and see if they can help you out. Don't give up and don't let him walk away from his responsibilities!
2006-09-26 22:42:33 · answer #9 · answered by lilbitadevil 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
YES, you need to tell their father that they are still his children and neglecting their needs is not very fatherly like of him. I would go to the court(you know you can sue for things like that)and get this setteled.
2006-09-26 22:46:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋