The importance of medical expenses in parenting agreements

When working out custody and support agreements, many parents do not understand the importance of determining how each of them will hold liability for the medical expenses of a child. Depending on the needs of the child, these expenses can be considerable. Both parents deserve to have a clear understanding of each other’s expectations, as well as the terms of their parenting and support agreements.

If the terms outlined in these agreements are not clearly understood, it may lead to conflicts in the care of the child or may unfairly place one parent or the other under significant financial strain. In many cases, these sorts of conflicts can be mitigated or entirely avoided if both parties intentionally address these issues while negotiating fair parenting and support agreements.

Even if a child is exceptionally lucky and does not experience any serious injuries or illnesses as he or she grows, one parent may want the child to have optional medical assistance, such as braces or eyeglasses. While some parents may not prioritize these expenses, others may see them as necessities. In most cases, these issues are up to the preference of the parents, so it is best to deal with them ahead of time or agree to revisit them before the child suffers needlessly.

As a loving parent, you want to make sure that your child has the best provision and protection available, especially when it comes to medical care. If you need guidance to understand the strongest options for your family, you can reach out to an experienced family law attorney and explore how to best protect the child you love.

Source: Findlaw, “Uninsured Medical Expenses and Child Support,” accessed Nov. 01, 2017