Understanding How Michigan Divides Medical, Dental, and Extracurricular Costs
When parents in Mid-Michigan—including Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Livingston, and Jackson counties—share custody and parenting time, they often ask our top-rated family law attorneys how to divide their children’s uninsured medical, dental, and optical expenses. “Support” includes not only basic child support payments but also medical, dental, and other health care expenses, as well as child care expenses. Courts routinely incorporate these obligations into child support orders. In Michigan, courts issue child support orders using the Uniform Child Support Order.
Health Care Coverage Obligations
Michigan courts typically require one or both parents to provide health care coverage for the children, provided it is accessible and affordable. The Friend of the Court also enforces these provisions when a parent fails to maintain coverage or refuses to pay their share of health care premiums or uninsured expenses.
Uninsured and Extracurricular Expenses
Michigan law provides a clear framework requiring courts to allocate uninsured health care expenses, such as copays, deductibles, and other uninsured costs, fairly between parents based on income and the child’s needs. If a dispute arises over reimbursement for these costs, the Friend of the Court can intervene to enforce or mediate in accordance with the existing court order. The same principle sometimes, but not always, applies to extracurricular or educational activities. However, they are not automatically included in the base child support amount unless specifically ordered by the court. Courts may consider extracurricular expenses if they are mutually agreed upon or they are consistent with the child’s prior activities and the financial circumstances of the parents.
Enforcement When the Other Parent Fails to Pay
The Friend of the Court enforces these obligations when one parent fails to pay their share. Each Friend of the Court office has a medical reimbursement specialist who handles these issues. Your family law attorney can also file an enforcement action against the other parent. Suppose the other parent does not object to the enforcement decision in writing within 21 days. In that case, the unpaid medical or dental cost becomes a support arrearage, collectible through the same enforcement mechanisms used for child support.
You will need to prove:
- The expense is uninsured or not covered by insurance.
- A demand for payment was made within 28 days of the insurance company’s final payment or denial.
- The other parent failed to pay within 28 days after that demand.
- The complaint is filed within one year of the expense being incurred. Note that some local Friend of the Court offices won’t help you if the debt is more than 6 months old. Our family law attorneys usually advise clients to submit unpaid bills to the medical reimbursement specialist at the Friend of the Court office within 120 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What if the other parent refuses to pay their court-ordered share of medical expenses?
A: Consult with your family law attorney about filing a complaint for enforcement with the Friend of the Court.
Q: How are uninsured expenses divided?
A: Most Michigan child support orders allocate uninsured health care expenses based on each parent’s percentage of net income. Your attorney can help you determine the correct calculation. You can also read your child support order to see what the court ordered.
Q: Are extracurricular activities covered by child support?
A: Not usually. Courts may include them if they are consistent with the child’s needs and the parents’ financial abilities, or if the parents agree in writing.
Q: What if my income changes?
A: Your attorney can file a modification request with the Friend of the Court when there has been a change in income, overnight parenting time, or the cost of health coverage. There are some threshold requirements and guidelines for changing child support.
Why You Need an Experienced Family Law Attorney
Health care reimbursements, orthodontic bills, and counseling expenses create complex child support issues. A Mid-Michigan family law attorney can:
- Ensure your support order clearly specifies how expenses are divided.
- File proper motions or enforcement actions through the court.
- Work with the Friend of the Court to resolve disputes efficiently.
- Protect you from accruing arrearages or enforcement penalties.
Serving Families Across Mid-Michigan
In Mid-Michigan family law cases, parents who understand how courts divide medical, dental, and extracurricular expenses can prevent costly disputes and enforcement actions. At The Kronzek Firm, we have decades of experience in handling child support cases. One of our experienced Michigan family law attorneys can ensure that your obligations are fairly assessed and properly enforced, and that your rights are protected under Michigan law. If you live in Lansing, Charlotte, Ingham, St. Johns, Howell, or Jackson, or Eaton County, and have questions about dividing or enforcing medical or extracurricular costs, contact one of our knowledgeable family law attorneys to protect your financial rights and ensure compliance with your court order.
📞 Our top-rated attorneys have handled divorces for thousands of Michigan clients for more than 30 years.
You can reach our Lansing office 24/7 by calling (517) 886-1000 or by email at contactus@kronzek.law. Our team is also available 24/7 for emergency consultations.
[Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for personalized guidance.]