Am I responsible for my step-daughter’s orthodontic fees if hermother receives child support?
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Am I responsible for my step-daughter’s orthodontic fees if hermother receives child support?
My wife, whom I am divorcing, has a daughter that I never adopted. My wide receives child support from her daughter’s biological father. Am I legally responsible for any of these fees?
Asked on February 22, 2011 under Family Law, Wisconsin
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
No, you are not legally responsible for these fees even if her mother - your soon to be ex wife - did not receive child support. If you did not adopt her then you are not legally responsible. There is, though, a line of cases in some states that say that if the person is going to become say a ward of the state or on welfare then you could be held responsible on some level. But those cases have to do with the basics and necessities if life and not with orthodontic treatment. Why is this coming up? Is your wife asking for it to be included in the settlement between you? You can rest assured that you will not be held liable.
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