Question:
My wife is requesting I pay child support after we divorce.
I have diabetes and must take insulin to live, though my health insurance doesn’t cover the entire cost.
Can the cost of my uncovered medical expenses, such as the necessary insulin, be deducted from my income that will be used to determine child support payments?
I’m worried they will base the payments on my gross income without considering the substantial costs associated with my disease.
Answer:
I am unable to give you legal advice on divorce. I can give general divorce help for men, though.
In Florida (where I practice), there are allowable deductions that can be subtracted from each parent’s net income when making a child support calculation.
One of the enumerated deductions under our Florida child support statute is the cost of health insurance payments, excluding payments for coverage of the minor child.
While this does not contemplate uncovered medical expenses, you could attempt to work out an agreement with the opposing party to give you a full deduction for the uncovered amount of your monthly insulin shots.
Remember, I am unable to provide you with anything more than divorce tips for men, so please consult with an attorney in your jurisdiction.
To arrange an initial consultation to discuss divorce rights for men with a Cordell & Cordell attorney, including Melissa Knight, an associate attorney in the Tampa, Florida, office, contact Cordell & Cordell.
