Legal Question in Family Law in Washington
dental & braces
In washington state is dental considered ''extraordinary health care'' also are braces considered cosmetic or are they a medical expense that has to be covered by the non-custodial parent?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: dental & braces
Extraordinary health care costs are not categorized by the type of service, but rather by the amount over the calculated ordinary healthcare costs. Cosmetic or not they may be covered as part of the calculation, they are healthcare services. As to whom that cost is allocated, it is based on the ratio of the net incomes of the parties unless a deviation was entered on that issue.
Re: dental & braces
Whatever is not covered under a parent's insurance is extraordinary. Some insurance covers vision and dental - some does not.
Same for orthodonic expenses. Usually, the order of child support will say what proportion of the expenses have to be paid by the non custodial parent.
The first 5% is a source of endless friction as some lawyers say it is paid by the custodial, others assert it is the non custodial.
Elizabeth Powell
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