Legal Question in Family Law in Connecticut
My ex and i have Joint Custody, but i have Primary Residence, my ex refuses to help 50/50 with contacts and braces for our two sons and says they are cosmetic not emergencies, my son's football coach in writing suggest contacts are best to avoid glasses getting damaged and i have had a consultation for braces for my oldest son and would like to get started for him as he is self-concious and has a bite problem, i have contacted Family Services and they said they would call my ex to see if we could get together and meet with them, he ignores them also, what can i do to get him to go half?
2 Answers from Attorneys
You'll have to take him to court on a contempt motion. Most judges consider braces to be a necessary medical procedure. Contact lenses aren't so much a sure thing, but it's worth a try. It may not be 50/50, though. When they do a child support guideline calculation the percentage split for medical is also figured in. In your case it may or may not be 50/50.
When you file the motion for contempt and go to court, you both will be required to see family relations first. Hopefully, he will understand that braces are generally a medical procedure and I would think that contacts could be as well since he could be injured if he is wearing glasses and playing contact sports.