Medical Expenses

[johnw]

Dear Soc.
I'm in the state of NJ. As part of our child support agreement, the court says my ex is responsible for the 1st $250.00 of out of pocket expenses per year per child. After that we are to split all out of pocket expenses 50/50.
My son needs a retainer costing $153.00. My ex set me a letter telling me to pay for it before she picks it up. My lawyer in turn set a letter to her attorney re stating her court ordered obligation regarding medical expenses. I found out yesturday, for the 3rd time my ex is not going to the orthodontist to pick up his retainer. My biggest concern now is my son, as this is, in my opinion, an important health issue.

1. How can I force my ex to fulfill her obligation and pay this $153.00?

2. If I can't force her, and I go pay for it myself, how do I get reimbursed from my ex?

3. Can I take her back to court for it and ask for my court costs,along with the $153.00?
Thanks for your help

 

[socrateaser]

>1. How can I force my ex to fulfill her obligation and pay
>this $153.00?

First, it doesn't matter whether, in your opinion, it's an important health issue. What matters is what the orthodontist thinks. So, make sure before you press this issue, that you have a letter from the dr. stating that "In my expert opinion, this is a reasonably necessary dental healthcare procedure." Those are the words that you want, when you go to court.

Pay the bill yourself, and then file for contempt. Your ex will have to pay the bill and all of your court costs and attorney fees.

>
>2. If I can't force her, and I go pay for it myself, how do I
>get reimbursed from my ex?

See #1.

>
>3. Can I take her back to court for it and ask for my court
>costs,along with the $153.00?

See #1.