Divorce is a challenging situation for everyone involved, especially for children. One of the most important aspects of parenting is taking care of your child's health. Many parents wonder what happens to their child's medical care after divorce.
Health Insurance for Children
When parents get divorced in California, they are required to provide health insurance coverage for their children in addition to financially providing for the child’s care and upbringing. This coverage can be through one parent's employer-sponsored or private plans. Obtaining adequate health insurance coverage is essential to meet your child's medical needs.
Joint Legal Custody and Medical Decisions
If parents share joint legal custody, they are required to make medical decisions together in California. Joint legal custody means both parents have equal rights and responsibilities regarding decision-making for their children. Therefore, parents must collaborate to make informed decisions about their child's medical care. If both parents cannot agree, they may need to seek mediation or court intervention before moving forward with medical care decisions.
Executive Healthcare Decision-Making Power
Sometimes, one parent may be granted executive healthcare decision-making power in their child's parenting plan. This power allows the parent to make medical decisions for the child, regardless of joint legal custody.
Suppose both parents cannot agree on medical decisions. In that case, the parent with executive healthcare decision-making power has the final say. The court grants this decision-making power and is typically given to the parent who better understands their child's medical needs. These powers would be outlined in the child's parenting plan.
Communication Is Key
Both parents need to communicate effectively about their child's medical care. This communication is especially crucial if the child has a chronic medical condition that requires ongoing care. Parents must inform each other of doctor's appointments, test results, and any changes in medication. This helps ensure that both parents know their child's medical needs and work together to provide the best possible care.
We Do Family Law Differently
It is crucial to work together to provide the best possible care for your child, even after a divorce. Effective communication between parents is essential to meet their child's medical needs.
At Embry Family Law P.C., our child custody attorneys can help you build a parenting plan that suits your child's best interests and prepare for any medical decisions you might need to make. Call us today at (619) 485-6476 to request a consultation with a member of our team.