Mark63
recently joined
Reged: 08/22/11
Posts: 4
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My son needs braces but I dont think I should have to pay for them if I disagree with him getting braces. My ex says she can collect my share through the state even I dont agree that braces are needed. How do I get out of this?
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DedicatedDad
veteran
Reged: 09/05/04
Posts: 1318
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It depends on what exactly your decree says.
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MrsB
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 07/03/10
Posts: 6355
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I'm confused. First you say he needs them. Then you say he doesn't. Have you been to the orthodontist appointments or talked to the orthodontist about your concerns?
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Mark63
recently joined
Reged: 08/22/11
Posts: 4
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My decree says I am responsible for 50% of uncovered medical/dental.
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Mark63
recently joined
Reged: 08/22/11
Posts: 4
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Well my ex wife and the orthodontist says he needs them. I disagree. How can they make me pay for something I dont agree with. The court order doesnt specifically say orthodontia.
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ssmom79
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 06/27/07
Posts: 7783
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If you don't want him to have braces then tell them you will not pay for them. Your ex will have to petition the court to get the fees paid.
Orthodontics is not in my hubby's court order. His daughter needed braces. We paid half. Whether its in the CO is not relevant to me. The child needed braces. If this is cosmetic only, I understand your feelings. If your son has a true NEED for braces, you should help with the financial costs.
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Debi
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Reged: 06/03/05
Posts: 7135
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Does it specifficly EXCLUDE braces?
I'd request a second opinion with a Dr. of YOUR choosing. I can't imagine the courts will make you pay for them just on the word of one orthodontist, especially if it's one you had no say in and if you requested a second opinion.
If you choose someone and he/she says there is a reason then you will probably have to pay half unless a judge says you don't.
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When we were together, you said you'd die for me. Now, I think it's time you kept your promise.
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Mark63
recently joined
Reged: 08/22/11
Posts: 4
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Thats the problem is it doesnt exclude ortho. And she took him to 2 different orthos but of course they say he needs them. Thats how they make $!
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youngatheart
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 09/03/05
Posts: 9394
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Sigh...maybe YOU should attend an appointment and actually speak to the ortho yourself to find out why they think he needs them.
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Debi
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 06/03/05
Posts: 7135
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Hence my advice that YOU choose someone, make the appointment and go. You can voice any concerns you have like the possibility that this is only cosmetic.
If she has two opinions and takes it to court and you've done nothing to disprove that he "needs" the braces you are more than likely going to end up paying half. At least if you do something about it and discover that it's a need and not a want you won't have to pay attorney fees on top of the braces.
I am lucky enough that my oldest 3 kids don't need braces (the youngest is only 3 so the jury is still out). I had to have them because my jaw was too small and a number of teeth had to be pulled and braces put on to align the teeth coming in. My teeth weren't horribly crooked but I'd have ended up with a lot of pain later in life if it wouldn't have been done. I have known people who's parents didn't think braces were important who have had to have surgery (one person had to have her jaw broken and reset and it wouldn't have been that bad if it had been taken care of when she was young). before braces as adults. Just because YOU don't think you should have to pay doesn't mean it's not necessary. But, hey, I'd say it's up to you to find out for yourself.
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When we were together, you said you'd die for me. Now, I think it's time you kept your promise.
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Cassie23
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Reged: 10/07/05
Posts: 14714
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The orthodontist I took my son to classified his need for braces as being "cosmetic". I don't think all orthodontists lie to get $$$ out of their patients.
What specifically is wrong with your son's teeth and/or bite?
If your decree doesn't spell out orthodontics, then your X will have to go to court and ask the judge to interpret the CO. He may order you to pay 50% of all uncovered. If you and your X BOTH have insurance you may be able to use both insurances to cover the braces. You may also want to consult with the orthodontist- they may have a payment plan available.
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ssmom79
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 06/27/07
Posts: 7783
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An ortho will tell you whether braces are a NEED versus a cosmetic want if you ask. Since two ortho's have seen the child you have two people you can call and ask specifically why the braces are necessary.
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MrsB
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 07/03/10
Posts: 6355
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Just because you don't want to pay for them doesn't mean he doesn't need them. If you're interested in having an opinion on whether or not he needs them you should be at the appointments.
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M5M5
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 07/29/05
Posts: 11722
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BTDT, trust me...they can and will make you pay for half. Whether you agree or not.
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