Confused about how health insurance affects child support?
Let’s break down whether covering your kids’ health insurance can change your child support payments. So, your ex has packed up and moved to another state, and now they’re looking to shake up the child support situation because of a change in parenting time. They’re pitching to cover the kids’ health insurance and they want you to give them some credit in the child support department.
You’ve always been the one to cover insurance, and now you’re wondering, “Is that even a thing?” Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of health insurance, child support, and who gets to claim the kids under their plan.
When it comes to child support and health insurance, the answer to “Can my ex get credit for covering the kids?” is a solid maybe. It’s all about the numbers and what makes sense for the kiddos.
How Child Support Works
Child support isn’t just a number pulled out of thin air; it’s calculated based on guidelines that take into account who’s paying for the kids’ medical insurance, among other things. If you’re curious about how the costs of medical insurance coverage could tilt the scales of child support, there’s a calculator for that. It’ll show you the impact of you covering, your ex covering, or neither of you getting credit for insurance.
Court’s Call on Coverage
Can’t agree on who should cover the kids? This is where the court steps in. They’ll look at the evidence and decide who’s best suited to provide insurance, especially considering where the kids are living and getting their medical care.
Your Coverage vs. Theirs
If your ex has left for another state, and their insurance only works with in-network providers there, it might not be the best fit for your kids, especially if they’re living with you most of the time. The court’s likely to side with logic here, favoring insurance that actually benefits the children where they live.
The Math Behind the Decision
Trying to lower child support by paying for health insurance might seem like a smart move, but the math doesn’t always add up. If the insurance doesn’t cover the kids’ actual medical needs because providers are out of state, you could end up paying more in the long run. Plus, if there’s a lot of out-of-pocket medical expenses, those costs could skyrocket.
Getting It in Writing
If you’ve got an agreement via text, that’s a start. In Arizona, that counts as a written agreement, which means it’s enforceable. But remember, clarity is key. Make sure all the terms are spelled out, so there’s no confusion down the line.
Adding Terms to Your Agreement
Missing details about holidays or school breaks in your agreement? No sweat. You can always update your agreement or ask the court to fill in the blanks. The goal is to have a clear plan that covers all the bases for your kids’ needs.
Figuring out the intersection of health insurance and child support can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. The key takeaway? It’s all about what’s best for the kids. Whether it’s deciding who covers health insurance or figuring out child support payments, keeping the kids’ needs front and center will guide you to the right solution. And if you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to a family law attorney for advice tailored to your situation.
