Raising kids as co-parents comes with enough on your plate without worrying about who pays the doctor bill. Medical costs can pile up fast, and when one parent refuses to pay their share, it can feel like an uphill battle. This guide breaks down your rights around child support and unpaid medical bills in plain language, so you know exactly what to do next.
If you are dealing with unpaid medical bills tied to child support, don't wait for the debt to grow. Call Kemp, Schaeffer & Rowe at (614) 665-5833 or fill out our online contact form today to talk through your options.
What Counts As A Medical Support Obligation
Child support and medical support are actually two different things, even though people often lump them together. Child support covers everyday costs like food, clothes, and housing. Medical support is a separate piece that covers health insurance and medical expenses for your child.
In Ohio, every child support order must include a medical support section. This section says which parent provides health insurance and how the two of you will split any costs that insurance does not cover.
Common Medical Costs Parents Must Share
Most Ohio child support orders require both parents to split medical expenses that go beyond what insurance pays. This can add up quickly, especially with growing kids or ongoing health needs.
Here are some of the most common costs that typically fall under this category:
- Copays for doctor visits, urgent care, or the emergency room
- Prescription medications and over-the-counter items ordered by a doctor
- Dental work, orthodontics, and vision care, like glasses or contacts
- Mental health counseling or therapy sessions
- Medical equipment, such as inhalers, hearing aids, or wheelchairs
These costs are usually split based on a percentage set in your court order. It is common for this to reflect each parent's share of combined income, but the exact number will be written into your specific order.
How Ohio Calculates Each Parent's Share
Ohio courts use an income shares model to figure out how child support and medical costs get divided. This model looks at both parents' incomes and estimates what the child would have received if the parents lived together.
From there, the court assigns each parent a percentage of the uninsured medical costs. For example, if one parent earns 60 percent of the combined household income, they may be responsible for 60 percent of the extra medical bills.
This percentage is usually spelled out clearly in your child support order or divorce decree. If you are not sure what your percentage is, a copy of your court order should have this information.
What Happens When A Parent Refuses To Pay
Unfortunately, it is common for one parent to fall behind or simply refuse to pay their share of medical costs. This puts the other parent in a tough spot, often covering the full bill just to keep things moving for the child.
The good news is that unpaid medical support is treated seriously under Ohio law. Courts have several tools available to make sure both parents follow through on what they agreed to or what the court ordered.
Steps You Can Take To Collect What Is Owed
If a co-parent is not paying their share of medical bills, you do not have to just absorb the cost yourself. Ohio has a process in place to help you recover what is owed.
Here are some steps that are commonly used to address unpaid medical support:
- Keep detailed records of every medical bill, receipt, and payment you have made
- Send written requests for reimbursement so there is a paper trail
- File a motion with the domestic relations court to enforce the existing order
- Ask the court to garnish wages or intercept tax refunds for the amount owed
- Request that the court hold the other parent in contempt if they continue to ignore the order
Following these steps can help build a strong case if you need to go before a judge. Keeping organized records early on makes the entire process smoother down the road.
Why Documentation Makes A Difference
Courts rely heavily on paperwork when deciding these cases. Without clear records, it becomes your word against the other parent's, which can slow things down or weaken your position.
Try to save every receipt, insurance statement, and email related to your child's medical care. Even something as simple as a text message asking for reimbursement can serve as helpful proof later.
Can Child Support Orders Be Modified
Life changes, and sometimes the original child support and medical support order no longer fits your situation. Maybe your child developed a new health condition, or one parent's income changed significantly.
Ohio allows parents to request a modification when there has been a real change in circumstances. This might mean adjusting the percentage split for medical costs or updating who provides health insurance.
A modification request typically needs to go through the court that issued the original order. It is not something that happens automatically, so someone has to file the paperwork and explain the change.
What To Do If You Are Behind On Payments Yourself
If you are the parent who has fallen behind, it helps to be upfront rather than avoiding the issue. Courts tend to respond better to parents who show they are trying to resolve the situation.
Reach out to the other parent or the court to explain what is happening and ask about a payment plan if one is available. Ignoring the problem usually leads to bigger consequences, like wage garnishment or additional fees.
Working With Franklin County Courts
Franklin County has its own local rules and procedures for filing motions related to child support and medical expenses. Knowing how the local court handles these matters can save you time and frustration.
Local courts often have specific forms, filing deadlines, and expectations for documentation. Understanding these details ahead of time helps your case move more smoothly from the start.
Child Support Columbus Family Law Attorney Can Help You Move Forward
Dealing with unpaid medical bills on top of everyday parenting is stressful, and you should not have to sort it out alone. Whether you are trying to collect what you are owed or need help understanding a modification, having the right guidance matters.
Kemp, Schaeffer & Rowe works with co-parents throughout the Columbus area on child support and medical support matters. Reach out today by calling (614) 665-5833 or filling out our online contact form to talk about your situation and find a path forward.