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Conference quokka::non_custodial_parents

Title:Welcome to the Non-Custodial Parents Conference
Notice:Please read 1.* before writing anything
Moderator:MIASYS::HETRICK
Created:Sun Feb 25 1990
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:420
Total number of notes:4370

375.0. "Braces" by NYFS05::CHERYL (Cheryl Hamm, (215)943-5380) Tue Dec 26 1995 15:05

    
    I'm looking for some suggestions on how to handle a problem that
    probably will come up in the very near future.
    
    My SO's daughter is 7-1/2.  She pulled out most of her baby teeth and
    has now gotten 4 adult teeth in.  They are crooked but not to the point
    of not being unhealthy (just ugly).
    
    She has informed us that her mother took her to the dentist and he said
    she needs braces.  We said she's going to have to wait until she gets
    older (that was a real scam with ortho's around here a few years ago)
    because he adult teeth are not even in yet.  She told us that 2 kids in
    her class have either braces or retainers and this guy wants to do
    something now.
    
    Anyhow, my SO is responsible for 80% of uncovered dental (ortho is all
    uncovered).  If he disaproves, what happens?
    
    anyone been there?
    
    btw, the daughter lives in NJ.
    
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375.1Not good newsCSC32::HADDOCKSaddle RozinanteTue Dec 26 1995 15:549
    
    Unfortunately this is a case where the CP gets to write checks on 
    the NCP's checking account.  The NCP has little or no say as to 
    what is done, but has the obligation to pay.  The NCP can request
    a second opinion, and maybe based on that take it to court if the
    CP still doesn't agree, but he will probably spend more in lawyer's
    fees doing it than paying for the braces.

    fred();
375.2Write Dentist registered mailQUOKKA::58323::BLANCHARDTue Dec 26 1995 21:4914
    First, tell the dentist you do not approve and will not pay for Braces
    on this child......by registered mail!
    
    Braces are usually not thought of as part of the 80% rules on dental,
    they are special because they are so costly, and if your note to the
    dentist is contested by mom in court, I doubt the judge will make you
    pay for the 80% when you are already paying child support, medical
    etc., more likely it would be split, or dissalowed.
    
    Write the letter to the dentist now, don't delay, usually that is
    sufficient to discourage the dentist from doing the work, knowing
    that you will not pay and have notifiied him in writing.
    
    Good Luck!
375.3thanksARRCEE::CHERYLCheryl Hamm, (215)943-5380Wed Dec 27 1995 12:257
    thanks all...I guess the next battle is to get the Dentist name and
    address.  Didn't figure that it was gonna be an easy fight.  We don't
    have a problem dealing with the braces at a later date, just not at age
    7!
    
    cheryl
    
375.4Don't assume anything .... you know what the word assume is made of ...MSBCS::ODONNELLTue Jan 02 1996 18:0711
    re: .0
    
    Hopefully in your SO's divorce degree it has already been spelled out,
    as to obligations to braces or orthadontic work futures. It is not 
    automatically assumed that that either parent has to pay unless it is 
    agreed.
    
    I agree with sending the registered letter just to CYA for the future.
    Good luck.
    
    
375.5not an issue (for now)NYFS05::CHERYLCheryl Hamm, (215)943-5380Thu Jan 04 1996 09:1419
    re .4
    
    No divorce decree since there was no marriage.  The "agreement" (judges
    order) isn't specific to orthodontic work.
    
    re .all
    
    The good news is that the child is now protesting it and the mother
    realizes that she will have to pay at least a part of the bill, so the
    issue has been dropped (at least until the next dentist visit in a
    year).  The reason the dentist gave for the work was to eliminate the
    front gap in her teeth not because of any jaw issues.  
    
    Thanks to all for the suggestions...I'm sure they will come in useful
    when the issue arrises again (and I'm sure it will).
    
    cheryl
    
    
375.6We divide out of pocket expenses 50%QUOKKA::17576::PERRY_WTue Jan 09 1996 08:407
    
    Just to provide some input I am a NCP  of two children and my former
    and I split 50% all out of pocket doctor bills. I pay child support
    and 50% of medical premiums. In other words we divide everything in
    half.  Has worked out fairly good so far.
    
                                                  Bill