Am I responsible for my grandson’s medical bills if I have custody?

Gurney P

I’m very sorry for your loss. 

Gurney P

If the court order clearly says the father is 100% responsible for medical bills when he fails to maintain insurance, then you are not legally responsible for those bills—even though you had custody. Provide a copy of the order to any billing or collection agency. Here’s a draft you can use with the billing office:

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

Billing Department
[Hospital/Provider Name]
[Provider Address]

Re: Medical Bills for Angelo [Last Name], DOB: [Insert DOB]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing regarding medical bills for my grandson, Angelo [Last Name]. Under a court order issued in [County, State], Angelo’s father, [Father’s Full Name], is 100% responsible for all medical expenses if he fails to maintain health insurance coverage for Angelo. This order relieves me of financial responsibility for these expenses.

I have attached a copy of the court order. Please update your records to reflect that I am not liable for these charges and direct all billing and collection activity to [Father’s Full Name], as required by the order.

If you have questions, please contact me in writing at the address above.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

Gurney P

Typically, yes—the court order would control.

Gurney P

The court can resolve that as well—you’d need to bring him back to court to seek enforcement for arrears and unpaid medical reimbursements. File to enforce the existing order (for child support arrears and unreimbursed medical). The court can enter a judgment and set payment/enforcement terms.