Legal Question in Family Law in Indiana

If divorce papers say he pays, why am I responsible because I have full custody?

Since our 1993 divorce in Mobile Alabama, my ex-husband was required to pay ''any extra-ordinary hospital bills'' since his employer, at that time didn't offer health insurance. Our daughter had pneumonia in 1997 and spent 3 days in the hospital. I,(being the responsible parent) had full custody, the hospital, and now, collection agency is coming after me. This is now on my credit. Can I make him pay me back or at least show proof that I wasn't responsible for payment and fix my credit?


Asked on 5/09/01, 1:38 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Dorene Philpot Philpot Law Office

Re: If divorce papers say he pays, why am I responsible because I have full cust

You're responsible to the hospital, but he's responsible to you.

Here's how you collect: You ask the court for a contempt hearing over the unpaid bills that he was ordered to pay.

The court will order him to pay it and give him a chance to do that. If he doesn't, he'll get jail time and/or a fine.

As far as your credit report, once the bills are paid, they'll show that they were paid, only late. You can ask that a letter you write be attached, which states the reason why it was late, and that will serve as your justification to offset the negative information.

FYI, bad info like that can remain on the report for only seven years, if that makes you feel any better.

Hope this helps!

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Answered on 6/22/01, 11:53 am


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