Well, the OC is my H's. He really had no doubt, so I guess we knew down deep what the result would be. But we have a lawyer problem....now that paternity is established, H went to discuss what his options were and what H wanted (we have decided to get as much custody, legal and/or physical as we can) and this lawyer just simply told H he was better off just to get some visitation and pay the CS set by Child Enforcement office (she receives assistance). Wow, I couldn't beleive the lawyer just blew off what H wanted. Now we are looking again for someone else. The lawyer also told my H he would have handle the request for the OC to be covered on our medical insurance. Lawyer offered no assistance. My problem is I hold the family coverage for us and OW (who is being very nasty) has told H she refuses to have OC put on this policy that H will have to get it from his employer. Anyone have this experience?? Can OW dictate this?<P>Thanks for the help.............jessie

Jessie,<BR>you are right you dont have a great lawyer. Go to the search engine <A HREF="http://www.google.com" TARGET=_blank>www.google.com</A> put in under exact search.<BR>"fathers rights" you should get a bunch of organizations that can help you. some are free. As far as the ins, is concerned. If the state is requiring it, Add OC immediatly to your famiy policy. This is a lower cost to you and your family and will protect you and your H from the state coming in and charging you (they will charge you...not OW). If OW does not like it too bad. Make sure your lawyer gives her lawyer the medical card, and if she choses anything else for OC..she can pay for it. As long as you are doing what is required, that is all they are going to care about. If she does not like it she can go out and get a job, with ins. Sorry it turned out this way for you best of luck...MC

She cannot dictate where the coverage comes from. If she chooses not to accept coverage then tough .<P>Jtigger

If the court mandates that you have coverage, then you can have coverage in any means. The OW is just acting out of anger. Sounds like she does not want you involved in the oc life and the coverage is a representation of that? Even if you do not have custody as long as it is court mandated, then you can put the OC on your insurance.<P>Also, you need to get a different lawyer. Ask the new laywer for references and check them. There are a lot of good books as well, so I would go to the library to do research since each state is different. <P>Good Luck,<BR>Nikita

You do not have to have ow's permission to add oc to your h's insurance. all he should have to do is tell the benefits director at his work to add oc to his coverage. I once added oc to my health insurance, mostly just to see if I could - it didn't cost me anything, since I already was paying for family coverage. I just went in and said, "I'd like to add my step-daughter to my health insurance policy." The benefits lady just asked for oc's ss# and birthdate, and had me sign the new papers. That was it.<BR>-cd

First of all, change lawyers...This one is not benefiting you at all, only making money off of you.<P>Secondly, regardless if the OW refuses medical coverage or not, you should put the OC on the medical plan. If she needs it, it's there, and if not, at least it's documented that medical insurance is provided.<P>You never can tell when this may be of use to you. At least the records will show that you are providing coverage for the OC and that if the OW refuses it, let her explain to the judge why...<P>Good Luck,<P>Full of Grace

Jessie,<P>I doubt she can dictate where you have to buy insurance from. If your husband doesn't have a plan at work and YOU do, sign the OC up and keep proof of insurance from now until forever. I'm assuming here, but it seems as if she just wants you to spend the extra money. Family plans don't cost any more when you add another person. However, individual policies do. <P>I would look in your work benefits booklets, look up their rules for adding step-children and if it's okay with them to sign up, then do it. If she doesn't like it, she'll have to take you to court. Usually, court orders say "Provide insurance coverage". THey don't give specifics of who has to pay, what type it is, what company it's through etc. <P>Also, I agree with the others - it's time to find a new attorney, one who is willing to fight for you not sit on the side lines and say "This is how it always has been". I suggest you visit this site <A HREF="http://www.deltabravo.net/custody/attorneys.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.deltabravo.net/custody/attorneys.htm</A> <P>It provides a list of lawyers from A to Z. <P>There is also an attorney search page (for each state) here: <A HREF="http://www.deltabravo.net/custody/attysearch.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.deltabravo.net/custody/attysearch.htm</A> <P>Best of luck to you and yours, Jessie. Don't let her bully you. <P>Take care,<BR>CoR

Thanks to everyone for your support and advice....jessie