Legal Question in Family Law in Michigan

Medical Responsibilities for children not in divorce decree

My divorce papers stipulate that I am responsible for maintaining health care insurance for my children, which I have.

I have recently been contacted by a collection agency regarding a bill for my son that I had no knowledge of. Apparently my ex-wife, with no notice to me, took my son to a dentist to have a mouthguard made to alleviate his grinding of teeth while he slept. This was not covered by my health insurance and she signed any necessary documents herself. I never agreed to cover this, either with her or the dentist (who incidentally was not our regular dentist who I don't know and who does not know me). The collector claims that under Michigan law, I am responsible for all medical bills under any circumstances. Can this be correct? Could my ex-wife run up any costs she pleases and make me responsible for them without knowledge or consent?


Asked on 10/24/02, 6:30 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

William Stern William Stern, P.C.

Re: Medical Responsibilities for children not in divorce decree

Your divorce judgment also deals with uninsured health expenses. If they are reasonable, the court will order you to pay your share per the judgment. It sounds like it will cost more to litigate than to pay it. Bill Stern

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Answered on 10/24/02, 6:44 pm


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