Children's medical bills

[ellekayw]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida

As per divorce, ex is supposed to pay for the children's health care (they have now been uninsured for 2+ months), pay off a joint credit card (he hasn't paid anything on it - I keep paying minimums so my credit doesn't get hit) and 1/2 children's medical bills. I can't afford to keep paying "his" share of bills and am planning to file contempt charges next month because he won't pay me or pay me back or take care of his court ordered obligations. I made copies of these bills and he has them. In the meantime, what would happen if I don't pay the outstanding medical bills for my children? At the time of the charges, my children were under my ex's group health care through his job. The bills came to my house under the kids' names. (I am in the process of trying to get the kids health care in an individual plan).

So my question is - if I don't pay them, would these bills go to collections under HIS name (SSN), or both of ours, or could it hurt my children? Eventually I will end up paying these bills because I am a responsible person, but I since I've been covering other bills, I can't pay these right now.

Advice?

 

[Antigone*]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida

As per divorce, ex is supposed to pay for the children's health care (they have now been uninsured for 2+ months), pay off a joint credit card (he hasn't paid anything on it - I keep paying minimums so my credit doesn't get hit) and 1/2 children's medical bills. I can't afford to keep paying "his" share of bills and am planning to file contempt charges next month because he won't pay me or pay me back or take care of his court ordered obligations. I made copies of these bills and he has them. In the meantime, what would happen if I don't pay the outstanding medical bills for my children? At the time of the charges, my children were under my ex's group health care through his job. The bills came to my house under the kids' names. (I am in the process of trying to get the kids health care in an individual plan).

So my question is - if I don't pay them, would these bills go to collections under HIS name (SSN), or both of ours, or could it hurt my children? Eventually I will end up paying these bills because I am a responsible person, but I since I've been covering other bills, I can't pay these right now.

Advice?

We can't tell you whose name these bills will be reported under because that depends on how the medical group set up the accounts. My advice is file for contempt, pay what you can and keep a journal so that you have all the information you need when you do have to go to court.

 

[ellekayw]

thanks

We can't tell you whose name these bills will be reported under because that depends on how the medical group set up the accounts. My advice is file for contempt, pay what you can and keep a journal so that you have all the information you need when you do have to go to court.

UGH. I know (knew) I'd have to end up paying these myself. I have to self-file and don't have the time until October (working seasonal job). I will document and print out my credit card receipts. I will call these doctor's offices and see if I can do a payment plan. It's so frustrating that *I* have to do everything and he gets away with blowing off his financial (and other) obligations.

While I'm asking - can I do one contempt filing for all these issues (jt cc, med insurance, med bills) or would I have to file different contempts?

 

[Silverplum]

It's so frustrating that *I* have to do everything and he gets away with blowing off his financial (and other) obligations.

If it makes you feel better, you're not the only one in that situation.

 

[justalayman]

eventually it is likely the bills would come to you as well as the ex. You and ex could both be sued. The provider is not a party to your divorce so they are not obligated to determine who owes what. You both owe the total bill as far as they are concerned.

 

[ecmst12]

I would suggest that if you really can't pay the bills right now, contact the providers and let them know what is going on, ask if they can give you an extension or accept a payment plan that you can afford. Don't just ignore them though, because they're not going to give you any leniancy if you don't ask for it, and they might refuse to keep caring for your children if you have an outstanding balance.

 

[ellekayw]

yes

If it makes you feel better, you're not the only one in that situation.

I guess there's some comfort in knowing I'm not alone!

 

[ellekayw]

thanks

I would suggest that if you really can't pay the bills right now, contact the providers and let them know what is going on, ask if they can give you an extension or accept a payment plan that you can afford. Don't just ignore them though, because they're not going to give you any leniancy if you don't ask for it, and they might refuse to keep caring for your children if you have an outstanding balance.

True. I have called on one of the bills and they said I have 3 months to pay. The others are from our primary doctor, but I can't afford to take the kids to him anymore but I do like and respect him and will call his office in the morning.