I took my son (5) to the dentist earlier this year and I was told that he will need braces when he is about 9 or 10 to correct his crowded front bottom teeth and also correct the position of his bottom right teeth due to them over lapping his top teeth.
Any who, I sent a text to my ex to let him know and I got no reply. So I brought it up in mediation.. Which then he decided to tell me that he won't help with cost associated with his sons braces.. (Could be any where between $5000-$10000). He just said no...??
Just wondering what I can do? I can't afford that kind of money on my own.
We have no court orders in place.. Can I get him to help with the cost some other way?
5 Replies
You could try through the child support agency. They used to have a way you can apply for more support if your child has a disability or medical condition (braces might apply). Also look into private health cover funds. He might be more prepared to go into paying for half or all of the health cover if it saves money in the long run. Also look into public wait lists (in case it doesn't come off). Remember you both have a relatively long time to save up for this procedure too so start saving in the meantime. I'm on a pension caring for a sick child and manage to save $1000 a year for out of pocket medical expenses but I do prioritise that over things like haircuts etc.
Just my opinion but being an elective cost i wouldn't think he has to go halves if you choose it. Id approach him with the benefits, and discuss if you both want him to have braces. If its a cost thing, at this stage, with so many years to go, ost changes and changes to his teeth, id just work on opening dialogue about contribution. I always find understanding someone else helps you find solutions, so find out his thoughts. If its cost/ expense theres health insurance, also you might be able to apply and draw his/your super early to pay for it. Hope that helps. Dont stress yet!
Yes I would TRY at least to go through child support agency. Just ask for there advice, because it's not for another 5 years they probably won't be pressuring him anytime soon to pay up until the time comes. Anyway My cousin needed braces and her mum had to pay for the whole thing, he dad wasn't forced to pay...but that was 10 yrs ago things could have changed. I would just start saving now...
I was told by a dentist that there's no way to know whether a child will need braces at such a young age. My daughter is 6 and he the best I got was 'it's possible'. Crowded bottom teeth, isn't a 'necessity' either. It's more aesthetic. So I do actually think your ex has rights to say no, unless it's for health reasons.
Yes, you can. You can apply through Child Support Agency for all bills such as medical, dental and schooling for the child. They split the costs 50/50 and ensure that you receive the money.
Speak with someone from there as there are quite a few forms etc you need to fill out but it sure makes it easy.