Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Insurance

If my child support papers say I am to pay for medical insurance am I legally bound to pay for dental insurance as well?


Asked on 3/04/09, 8:13 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys

Amir John Showrai The Pacific Law Firm, PLLC

Re: Insurance

I would initially say "no" to answer your question, but that said, what would be the point? Normally, you are obligated to pay your proportionate share of uninsured health care expenses anyway, so wouldn't it be cheaper to pay for dental insurance than a root canal?

Let me put it this way: Insurance benefits both parents. Without it, you are both subject to huge bills to cover needed procedures. I advise all my clients that when possible ALWAYS get insurance.

In your case, you are probably not bound to pay for dental insurance, but depending on how things go, you may be bound to pay for the uninsured dental expenses anyway. It may not be what you want to hear, but my advise is to pay for the insurance. It's for your kid after all. Now, if you have a difference of opinion about which exact policy to sign up for, that's another question all together and one that needs to be settled by negotiations or a motion on the court's calendar.

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Answered on 3/04/09, 9:01 pm
Alvin Lundgren Alvin R. Lundgren, L.C.

Re: Insurance

Probably - dental insurance is generally included in the definition of medical insurance. If you need further clarification you can go back to court. On the other hand, why would you object to making sure your child(ren) have dental care?

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Answered on 3/05/09, 10:38 am
Cory Wall Cory R. Wall, Attorney at Law, P.C.

Re: Insurance

Only if your Decree specifically provides that dental insurance is also to be included.

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Answered on 3/05/09, 3:02 pm
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Re: Insurance

It is unclear if this is a WA case or a UT case. If it is a WA case, the usual language discusses health insurance, which generally is recognized as for medical, but I'd want to see the exact language of your ORS before I could say exactly what I think your order means.

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Answered on 3/05/09, 5:31 pm


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