Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

I am the custodial parent and the non-custodial parent is supposed to carry our child on her health and dental insurance. I took my child to the dentist and then received a bill and a phone call from the dental office stating that my child does not have dental insurance. What is my best option for having the non-custodial parent take care of this dental bill? I would prefer not to get my Lawyer involved as his fees would be more than the $300 dentist bill. Thank you


Asked on 3/15/16, 12:23 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Unfortunately, unless your ex cooperates by getting the required insurance in compliance with the agreement or order imposing this requirement on her, you will have to go to court. If this requirement is mandated by a court order or judgment of divorce, you would file a "show cause" petition asking the court to hold her in contempt and pay your legal costs. She would probably be given a short deadline to demonstrate that she has coverage in place or risk further sanctions. Obviously this could involve a lot more than $300 going forward. As for the pending bill, perhaps if you lay out these possibilities for her, she will pony up. If not, and you have the requisite documentation of her obligation to provide the coverage, you could always pay the bill and take her to small claims court, although whether this is worth your time, even doing it yourself, is questionable.

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Answered on 3/15/16, 12:40 pm


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