Extraordinary Medical Expenses Calculator
Uninsured medical, dental, orthodontic, and therapeutic expenses are typically split between parents on top of basic child support. Calculate each parent's share by expense category, including orthodontic payment plans and potential tax deductions.
| Category | Annual Cost | Parent 1 | Parent 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uninsured Medical | $1,500 | $978 | $522 |
| Dental | $800 | $522 | $278 |
| Orthodontic | $2,750 | $1,793 | $957 |
| Therapy/Counseling | $7,200 | $4,696 | $2,504 |
| Prescriptions | $1,800 | $1,174 | $626 |
| Vision/Glasses | $400 | $261 | $139 |
| Total | $14,450 | $3,913 | $2,087 |
| Item | Parent 1 | Parent 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Income | $90,000 | $48,000 |
| 7.5% AGI Threshold | $6,750 | $3,600 |
| Medical Expenses Paid | $3,913 | $2,087 |
| Deductible Amount | $0 | $0 |
| Estimated Tax Savings | $0 | $0 |
What Qualifies as Extraordinary Medical Expenses?
Extraordinary medical expenses include any healthcare costs for the children that are not covered by insurance. This encompasses uninsured portions of doctor visits, emergency room copays, prescription medications, dental work beyond routine cleanings, orthodontic treatment (braces, retainers, Invisalign), therapy and counseling (behavioral, occupational, speech, physical), vision care and eyeglasses, and any other medically necessary treatment.
These expenses are separate from the basic child support obligation, which covers ordinary day-to-day costs of raising a child. The rationale is that extraordinary medical needs are unpredictable and can vary significantly from year to year, so they cannot be fairly built into a fixed monthly support amount. Instead, most states require parents to share these costs as they arise.
How Courts Split Medical Expenses
The most common method is the pro-rata split, where each parent pays a percentage of extraordinary medical expenses equal to their share of combined income. If Parent 1 earns 65% of the combined income, they pay 65% of every uninsured medical bill. Some states use a straight 50/50 split regardless of income, and others apply a hybrid approach where the custodial parent pays the first $250 per child per year, and the remainder is split pro-rata.
Courts typically require the parent who incurs the expense to notify the other parent within 30 days and provide documentation (receipts, insurance explanation of benefits). The non-incurring parent then has a set period, usually 30 days, to reimburse their share. Failing to follow these notification procedures can result in losing the right to reimbursement, so it is important to keep meticulous records and communicate promptly.
Orthodontic Expenses in Divorce
Orthodontic treatment is one of the most significant extraordinary medical expenses families face during and after divorce. Braces typically cost between $3,000 and $8,000, and treatment lasts 18 to 36 months. Because the cost is so high, most orthodontists offer payment plans, and courts generally split the monthly installments between parents using the same method applied to other medical expenses.
It is advisable to address orthodontic expenses explicitly in the divorce agreement or parenting plan. Specify how the decision to begin treatment will be made (mutual consent vs. one parent's discretion), how the cost will be split, and what happens if one parent disagrees with the recommended treatment. Without clear terms, disputes about orthodontic expenses are common and can require costly court intervention.
Related Calculators
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- Income Shares Calculator — Calculate basic child support under the income shares model.