Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

I have a Child support question as far as my obligation to pay for medical and dental insurance in the state of Missouri. My Child Support ended when my twin boys (full time college students) turned 21 this past June. Although my child support ended due to the age 21 rule, I'm still supporting them college wise (55%) until they reach the age of 22 (per a "modification" my x-wife filed).

My question is this: Do I still have an obligation to pay their medical and dental insurance? My x-wife is very well off (has a good job and a rich husband) and they are covering the kids for Medical and Dental insurance as well... although they say their insurance is "secondary" to mine. Meaning they would use their insurance on the kids for what mine doesn't cover.

It doesn't make sense for both of us to be paying for medical and dental. Their insurance could be used for primary too right? If so, can I just drop my medical/dental insurance on them? It's very expensive... and it would relieve financial pressures on me as I live pay check to pay check... and they can afford it much better than me. Thoughts?

Appreciate your help/service.

Thank You.

Randy


Asked on 12/31/10, 11:11 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Anthony Smith LawSmith

Without knowing the particulars of yrou divorce decree and suppot Orders, it is impossible to tel you exactly what yrou obliogtions are. But, if you drop the family coverage the other insurance may pcik up the slack. But, if the kids get hurt or sick, you could face a contempt citation, if your Order require dyou provide coverage. Have you tried asking your kids to get their own health coverage? Many colleges offer or can get low cost (compared to what parents otherwise pay) health and dental insurance for their students. Perhaps they can get a short term policy that you might be able to help with the premiums and/or co-pays.

Good luck

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Answered on 1/05/11, 11:45 am
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Check your Judgment as modified very carefully. It may contain terms that require you to maintain insurance beyond the emancipation of your children. But, in most cases the obligation to maintain insurance is connected with the obligation to pay child support. so, it would terminate upon the emancipation of the children, which in your case is when each child reached the age of twenty-one.

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Answered on 1/09/11, 5:06 pm


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