What Is Form FL-192?
Form FL-192 is the California Judicial Council’s Notice of Rights and Responsibilities Regarding Health-Care Costs and Reimbursement. Family law court orders and parental agreements often include provisions requiring parents to share uninsured medical expenses and other child support expenses for their child or children. In California, the family court requires that Form FL-192 be attached to any court order or mediated agreement involving these expenses.
Form FL-192 explains how child support reimbursement works, including how parents must provide notice, request payment, and resolve disputes over uninsured health care costs.
Keep Track of Medical Expenses for Child Support
Parents should carefully track all eligible expenses and use the rules outlined in the FL-192 Notice of Rights and Responsibilities as a guideline when seeking child support reimbursement.
These reimbursable child support expenses often include:
- Uninsured medical and dental expenses
- Vision care costs
- Work-related child care costs
- School and extracurricular expenses
- Any other costs specifically included in a court order or parental agreement
The 30-Day Written Notice Requirement Under FL-192
A common issue arises when one parent allows expenses to accumulate without notifying the other parent. This can leave the reimbursing parent facing a large, unexpected bill for child support expenses.
The 30-day written notice requirement under FL-192 helps prevent this situation. The requesting parent must provide:
- Written notice of the expense
- Proof that the expense has already been paid
- Documentation showing the expense is reimbursable under the order
Reimbursement cannot be requested for anticipated or future expenses. Only costs that have actually been incurred and paid qualify.
How to Write a Notice Letter to the Other Parent About Medical Expenses
Your written notice to the non-custodial or co-parent should be simple and complete. Include the date of the expense, the child it was for, a description of the service, the total amount paid, the portion the other parent owes under your order, and copies of the itemized bill and proof of payment such as a receipt or an explanation of benefits. Send it in a way you can document, like email or certified mail, and keep a copy for your records.
How Much Reimbursement Is Required?
The amount of child support reimbursement owed is determined by the terms of the court order or agreement. Reimbursement may be:
- Paid in full, or
- Split proportionally between the parents, based on income or another formula
Regardless of the amount, notice must still be provided under Form FL-192.
The reimbursing parent generally has 30 days from the date of notice to pay the requested amount unless the order states otherwise. Payment may be made:
- Directly to the other parent, or
- Directly to the medical provider or service provider
Resolving Disputes Over Child Support Expenses
If there is a disagreement regarding uninsured medical expenses or other child support reimbursement, the disputing parent must also provide written notice of the dispute.
Failure to dispute the expense in writing within the required timeframe may result in the expense being deemed valid and owed.
Resolving FL-192 Reimbursement Disputes Without Court
When disputes arise over FL-192 reimbursement obligations, a mediator can often help parents resolve the issue without the expense and stress of a court hearing.
Mediation can be especially helpful when parents disagree over medical reimbursement forms, proof of expenses, or payment timelines, and may preserve co-parenting relationships while ensuring compliance with California child support laws. If reimbursement problems keep recurring because your order no longer fits your situation, you can also ask the court for a modification of your child support order.
Help With FL-192 and Child Support Reimbursement in California
Understanding Form FL-192 and child support reimbursement rules is critical to avoiding unnecessary conflict and court involvement. At Hassett Family Law, we help parents understand their rights and responsibilities under California child support orders, properly request reimbursement, and resolve disputes related to uninsured medical expenses and child support costs.
If you need guidance with FL-192, medical expense reimbursement, or California child support orders, contact our family law attorneys today for a complimentary consultation.