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Contempt
How can I pay my son's medical bill without hurting my credit?

How can I pay my son's medical bill without hurting my credit?

Q: Am I responsible for my child's medical bills?

In most cases, parents are responsible for their child's medical bills, especially if there is a court order outlining shared expenses. If you have a parenting plan that specifies your financial responsibilities, you must adhere to it. If your ex incurs medical expenses, you may be required to pay your agreed share.

Q: Are adult children liable for parents' medical bills?

Generally, adult children are not responsible for their parents' medical bills unless they have signed a contract or are in a state with filial responsibility laws. In most cases, parents are responsible for their own medical expenses, and adult children cannot be held liable for these debts.

Q: Can I be held responsible for my adult child's debt?

Typically, parents are not liable for the debts of their adult children unless they co-signed a loan or agreed to be responsible for specific debts. If your child incurs debt independently, creditors cannot pursue you for payment unless you have a legal obligation.

Q: Am I responsible for my son's medical bills?

If you have a court order or parenting plan that states you must cover a portion of your son's medical expenses, then you are legally obligated to pay your share. If a bill goes unpaid, it may affect your credit if it goes to collections, so it's essential to address it promptly.

Full question:

By parenting plan, I am required to pay 50% of medical expenses for my son. I was recently sent to collections for a hospital bill incurred by my son, while at my ex-wife's. I was previously unaware of the bill. It appears that my ex gave the collection agency my information. Upon questioning her, she is retaliating for something she believes unfair. How can I pay my half of the bill without destroying my credit and do I have any recourse against her?

Category: Contempt
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Washington

Answer:

If a court order isn't followed, you can file a petition for contempt in the court that issued the order. This petition can request that the court order the noncompliant party to cover any losses caused by their failure to comply. The court can enforce its orders by holding the noncompliant party in contempt.

If your ex-wife fails to make required payments, you may file a motion for contempt. The court will then determine the matter based on the facts and documents involved. You can also file a Judgment on Rule for Contempt, which is a prepared judgment for the judge to sign, facilitating the court's decision-making process. Remember to file a certificate of service along with the petition to prove that it was served on the opposing party.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What to do if your ex won't pay medical bills?

If your ex refuses to pay their share of medical bills, you can file a motion for contempt in family court if there is a court order in place. This legal action can compel them to fulfill their obligations. Additionally, you may seek to negotiate directly with your ex or consider mediation to resolve the dispute amicably.