Legal Question in Family Law in California

You should consult with a lawyer in the county where your case currently is open as there may be some special local rules that may give guidance. Generally, you must look first to your court orders. If items such as orthodontia are included or excluded, you will have a better answer. If not clear in your orders, you should then figure out how to discuss elective items with your former spouse because there may be seriously different views of required versus elective. After that you will have to try to agree what is best for your children, even if this is a financial difficulty, it is for your children, and you will have to try to work through the economic hardship.