In a family dispute before Judge Judy, Garry sued his ex-wife, Denicia, seeking payment for half of their son’s braces, a cost that Garry claimed Denicia had failed to contribute to.
The situation was complicated further by Garry’s new wife, Tiffany, who added that Denicia had also stopped making child support payments six months ago. Tiffany explained that Denicia’s behavior had changed drastically, and she had only made one payment toward their son’s braces despite an agreement to share the cost.
Garry, the plaintiff, explained the situation to Judge Judy. “My son needs braces, and I agreed with Denicia that we would split the cost. But she hasn’t paid her share.
I want her to pay half of the braces cost, just like we agreed,” Garry said. “I’m already paying for everything on my own, and it’s not fair to carry the full burden when we’re both responsible for our son’s care.”
Tiffany, Garry’s new wife, chimed in to support Garry’s claims, stating that Denicia had also stopped paying child support. “Denicia stopped making child support payments about six months ago,” Tiffany said.
“She agreed to help with the braces, but she only made one payment toward them, and that was eight months ago. Since then, she’s stopped communicating with us about it.”
Tiffany added that Denicia’s behavior had changed after their son started needing braces, making it harder for Garry to get the financial support that was initially agreed upon.
“Before this, she was more cooperative, but now she’s been avoiding us, and she hasn’t been consistent with her payments,” Tiffany said. “Garry has been trying to be fair, but he’s been left holding the financial responsibility.”
Denicia acknowledged that her behavior had changed but said it was due to her financial struggles. “I’m not avoiding responsibility. I just don’t have the money right now,” she explained. “I know the braces are important, but I can’t afford half of the cost right now with the job situation I’m in.”
Judge Judy questioned Denicia about the long gap in payments and the lack of communication. “You made one payment towards the braces and then stopped,” Judge Judy pointed out. “That’s not acceptable. You need to communicate with Garry about how you’re going to handle this. You can’t just stop paying and not explain why.”
Judge Judy also noted that Garry and Tiffany had a right to expect Denicia to live up to her financial commitments, especially when it came to their son’s health and well-being.
“You can’t just stop paying because you’re having financial trouble,” she said. “You need to work out a plan to make the payments, even if it’s less than what you originally agreed to.”
After hearing both sides, Judge Judy ruled that Denicia needed to make some form of payment toward the braces, even if it wasn’t the full amount. “I understand you’re going through a tough time, but you still have a responsibility to contribute to your son’s care,”
Judge Judy said to Denicia.
“I’m ordering you to make a reasonable payment towards the braces cost and to start making child support payments again, even if they’re smaller amounts. You need to honor your responsibilities as a parent.”
Judge Judy also advised Garry and Tiffany to continue communicating with Denicia and try to come to a fair arrangement. “You both need to be flexible, but Denicia has to do her part,”
Judge Judy said. “Work together to make sure your son gets what he needs, even if it’s difficult.”
The case concluded with a ruling in Garry’s favor, ordering Denicia to make a payment toward the braces and resume child support payments, with a reminder about the importance of fulfilling parental responsibilities, even in difficult financial times.
Judge Judy also urged both parties to keep the lines of communication open to prevent further conflicts.
