does the parent have to pay for the child braces when divorced. The parent is already paying child support?

Question

she is 18 yrs old going on 19 yrs old in march 2007. Is braces considered cosmetic like plastic surgery.( breast in plants or lipo face lifts). The dad already pays $1120.00 a month for 2. In addition split between the two if they get sick and pluse co pay

Answer 1

I don't think braces are considered cosmetic. I suggest that both parents split the cost of the braces. Many dental insurances cover at least some of the expense for braces. So see which parent has a good dental insurance that will cover braces. Then split the what the insurance won't pay.

Answer 2

Check your final divorce decree. Should you even be paying child support now ? Once the child turns 18 and graduates highschool child support payments should stop. If you have somekind of agreement to continue paying child support while your child attends college thats another matter. Braces for the most part are used to correct actual dental problems although they can be used for cosmetic reasons. Check with your childs dentist and get an explanation on why she needs braces.

Answer 3

If the "child" needs braces because their bite is wrong they are not cosmetic. If your bite is wrong it can effect the way you chew and digest food which can cause problems in the long run. There are times however, when braces are cosmetic...the only person who can tell you that is the othodontist. Make an appointment for a consult and see if she really needs them. Then explore the insurance benefits and split the cost. Don't get petty over a medically nessary item...get petty if it is cosmetic..she can save her money and take care of it herself if that is the case.

Answer 4

I pay child support and also have my child 50/50 custody. I would do anyting for my son and I would not want him to go with out any Necessities I would say that most of the time braces are a Necessity and you have to weigh how bad her teeth are and I would say pay half If you have a good relationship with your daughter or want to continue to.

Answer 5

If you can afford it, offer to split the cost with the other party. Braces are rarely medically necessary so i doubt she HAS to have them, but most likely it will improve her self-esteem. If the other parent doesn't want to chip in, suggest that your daughter get a job and you can match her. She is old enough to work for what she wants

Answer 6

Regional law. See what your State says, and then find the cases where a judment has been ruled.

19 years old may not be the end date for care. It could be high school.

Reasonable person - Why wouldn't you want your child to have braces?

Answer 7

tricky ? but when is parent hood over? answer when a child or the parent is r.i.p. so answer is yes, but if the child is grown a paernt should step in when they can not all the time. the 18 yr. old needs to get a job & pay for on beauty & if by chance cant make a payment then ask parents if they can assist sounds like 18 yr old will never learn responsibility until parents are gone to r.i.p gl.......final answer is NO

Answer 8

Depends on how the divorce decree reads. Is he responsible for medical and education through age 21 or college? Or did his responsibility end at age 18?

Answer 9

I guess it depends in each state but if he's still paying support, then I would have to say yes, both parents would have to pay.

Answer 10

OMG...It is to straighten her teeth so she looks pretty and feels good about herself. Just pay half of it...Kids cost money and u should of thought of that before u had them.Now u need to help them all u can. I mean really she is a girl and wants to look her best. Help her...