Am I responsible in the state of AZ to pay medical fees for out of network doctors when there are in network providers available?

Question

Am I responsible in the state of AZ to pay medical fees for out of network doctors when there are in network providers available?

Answer

Possibly, yes. I would read your orders, as it will depends on what your medical support orders, usually found in the child section of your custody orders, state.

If your orders do not specify that the person is to take the child to an in-network provider first, or only to an in-network provider, and if it does not state if you are to be consulted first if this occurs, and if the orders don't state what is to be done after that, such as if the in-network person can't treat or if the parent chooses to go to an out-of-network provider, and if the medical expenses are incurred, and the child needed or needs the medical treatment or consultation, you more-than-likely will be required to pay your percentage of any medical cost not covered, what ever that is and based on what the order states your percentage is.

You can't argue that there is a violation of an order, if there is not specific language drafted and entered to cause a violation. Also, if you do not pay what ever your part is of the medical expenses not-covered, then that non-payment will more-than-likely cause there to be a violation on your part.

Again, read your orders, and if this continues, you may want to go back to have the orders clarified and you can retain a qualified custody lawyer to go back to court and get the orders clarified.

Goldstein & Scopellite, PC has qualified child custody attorneys, litigation attorneys and divorce lawyers available to represent you at either one of their law offices located in Dallas, Texas and Tucson, Arizona - Please visit their websites at www.LawyersDallas.com and www.Lawyers-Tucson.com for more information or to contact them. Thank you.