Custody Defination

My husband have joint custody of his two sons (age 8 and 10). The Ex moved them to Tennessee after the divorce. She has Primary Physical care of the boys. Per the divorce decree she is required to carry medical insurance and my husband carry the dental insurce for the boys. Based on w-2's they split any uninsured medical, dental or health related bills of the children. She is trying to bill us for non persrcition things she buys (i.e. tylenol) can she do this? My husband and do not have a problem helping out with our share of the expenses, but this is out of control. My husband pays his child support every month, is that not what his money should go for? Buying day to day items that the boys need. Any help / advice would great.

[Jenifa]

I believe you are correct. Anything stated in a support order is what the NCP must provide. Anything above and beyond that is to be done by choice. That's hysterical (if you really think about it) that she is trying to get him to pay for Tylenol. I know it may seem like something petty that infuriates you, but I hope, in the future, you and your husband can get a good laugh about it.

The second part of this whole thing is she is also trying to get my husband to pay half of her medical and dental co-pays. We live in Iowa and that is where the decree is. Aren't copays part of have primary physical care and what child support is used for as well? Where can I get a definition of what primary physical care means. Like I said before my husband does not have a problem helping out with cost of some expenses but she is out in left field. (This women bought $450 frames for a 10 year who needs glasses only when he reads.) She also never includes my husband in any decisions about the boys. She has the idea that she is their mother and she can do what ever she wants since they live with her. Even though they have joint custody.

[MySonsMom]

Co-Pays are considered "medical" or "dental" or "optical" payments and should be split equally between the parents.