Healthcare is an issue in a Divorce with children. By providing health insurance for children, families can avoid potential catastrophic healthcare costs. Approximately two-thirds of bankruptcies involve healthcare associated debt.
In addition, the effect of Divorce on children can be minimized when their lives are disrupted as little as possible. Regular doctor visits can contribute to a sense of well-being.
If the parties are not in agreement with regard to how the healthcare of children is paid, then the issue will be decided in court. One parent may be ordered to pay these healthcare costs for a number of reasons:
- if there is a long marriage (over 10 years)
- if the parent can afford it or has a healthcare policy through work or by union affiliation
We do not know how ‘Obama care‘ will affect the healthcare issue for children once a Divorce is finalized. It is assumed that there will be more choices and lower costs. Accordingly, healthcare will be paid by one or both parents or subsidized by the government.
If both parents can agree as to who will pay for the healthcare of children once the divorce is finalized, then this would be stated, along with other issues, in a Marital Settlement Agreement or a Stipulation. In most cases, these agreements avoid the need for a court appearance.
For more information regarding healthcare for children in a Divorce, call Legal Action Workshop @ 800-HELP-444 (800-435-7444) or visit www.LegalActionWorkshopLAW.com .
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