What to do if I am listed as a co-defendant in a debt collection lawsuit for a medical bill because my husband did not have health insurance?
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What to do if I am listed as a co-defendant in a debt collection lawsuit for a medical bill because my husband did not have health insurance?
The debt was medical for a child. My ex-husband is the other defendant. He is court ordered in the divorce decree to carry health insurance. He did not. Can I be dismissed with prejudice from this claim with a defense that he is responsible to pay under state law? He failed to comply with the divorce decree.
Asked on January 8, 2013 under Bankruptcy Law, Missouri
Answers:
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Because it's your child, you are responsible for the debt associated with the child's care. The medical provider was not a party to your divorce decree so they are not bound by the requirements of the decree. However, you are not without remedies. Within the collection suit you can cross claim your ex-husband for failing to carry insurance. You can also file a separate enforcement action in the court that granted your divorce and have that court order him to pay the medical expenses and indemnify you-- or face contempt consequences.
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