Full question:
My friend was in a relationship with a man for a short period. She conceived during that time and gave birth to a boy last month. All the expenses for her confinement were borne by her and her husband did not come forward to pay for her medical expenses. Is she entitled to any compensation from her husband for her medical expenses during pregnancy and confinement.
- Category: Paternity
- Subcategory: Marriage
- Date:
- State: New York
Answer:
In New York, the father of a child is liable to pay for any reasonable expenses incurred by the mother for her treatment during pregnancy and confinement. If the mother’s expenses are covered by a state medical assistance program, then the father has to pay to the social services district giving such medical assistance. The law is stated inN.Y.FCA §514 that reads:
“The father is liable for the reasonable expenses of the mother's confinement and recovery and such reasonable expenses in connection with her pregnancy as determined by the court; provided, however, where the mother's confinement, recovery and expenses in connection with her pregnancy were paid under the medical assistance program on the mother's behalf, the father may be liable to the social services district furnishing such medical assistance and to the state department of health for medical assistance so expended. Such expenses, including such expenses paid by the medical assistance program on the mother's behalf, shall be deemed cash medical support and the court shall determine the obligation of the parties to contribute to the cost thereof pursuant to subparagraph five of paragraph (c) of subdivision one of section four hundred thirteen of this act.”
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.
