Question:
My ex-wife is ordered to maintain health insurance coverage for our children. She is now remarried and wants to put our children on her new husband’s insurance.
Can a stepparent add children to his insurance? Would there be any repercussions involved if they are covered by his insurance that would adversely affect my parental rights?
Answer:
I am unable to give you legal advice on divorce. I can give general divorce help for men, though, my knowledge is based on Indiana divorce and child custody laws where I am licensed to practice.
Where I practice, so long as the parent ordered to provide health insurance provides such insurance, even if it is through their current spouse, then they are the provider of health insurance. The court will look at whether a parent has health insurance available to them for the benefit of the children at a reasonable cost.
If the stepparent provides health insurance for the children, then this is considered the same as the biological parent providing the insurance. Stepchildren can be covered on health insurance without any further legal proceedings.
The simple fact that the stepparent provides health insurance for the children is not sufficient to challenge custody or parental rights so long as you are supporting your children as required by law and the court’s orders.
Remember, I am unable to provide you with anything more than divorce tips for men, so please consult with a divorce lawyer in your jurisdiction.
To arrange an initial consultation to discuss divorce rights for men with a Cordell & Cordell attorney, including Noblesville, Indiana Divorce Lawyer Sara Pitcher, contact Cordell & Cordell.
Human Resources Consultant
Up until recently, I had my stepchildren on my dental insurance, so the answer is yes, as long as your plan allows coverage for spouses and families, your stepchildren are your family. But some employers provide insurance for the employee only, so you need to check on that with your employer.