Has anyway included braces in BK?

[tallberry]

I feel like I always have the strangest questions that no one else has experienced, so...my attorney said I need to list my son's orthodontist in our BK. I was wondering if anyone knows if it could be exempt as a health aid or something? I would consider it a secured debt, wouldn't I? Could I reaffirm it? I feel bad for my son because he only has 10 months left (which means 10 payments left) and I don't know how the orthodontist will handle this. I am wondering if he won't make us take them off...that would be so embarrassing for him. We are over the median but negative on the I & J so we are hoping for a CH7. Anyones input will be much appreciated...Thanks!

[FreshLikeADaisy]

Tallberry, the way I would handle it is, the next time you see this dentist in person, quietly take him aside and let him know that you are going to be filing bk soon and that he will receive a notice, but that you intend to continue paying just as if you had never filed and would be happy to sign something to that effect. I think that will go a long way toward smoothing over any unpleasantness. I would be very surprised if you were the very first patient he'd ever had who declared bk on him. He'll probably just be glad you intend to keep paying him.

Yes, your atty should definitely list the debt on the bk -- he can't not list it, ethically speaking -- but he should also know of your intent to reaffirm and note that in your filing. He could even send a letter to the orthodontist for you, if you felt like that would help. But definitely speak to the doc first -- that may be all it takes.

You know, I have no kids so I have no dog in this particular race, but hypothetically speaking, I'd sure as hell like to see some pissed off orthodontist reaching into MY kid's piehole and expect to draw back anything but a nub... and that's if I hadn't already killed him as he was reaching in. Just sayin'.

[keepmine]

There is nothing in the bk code that says you can't repay anyone you choose post bk.
Just let the dentist know upfront.

[tallberry]

I keep wanting to say something when I take him in but I never see the orthodontist, just his staff. I was wondering if I write a letter and give it to them when I take him in next, would that be okay? Thanks, Fresh, for your humorous visual! It brought a smile to my face :o) I am a pit bull when it comes to my kids!

[FreshLikeADaisy]

Yeah, I was writing when I suddenly saw (in my mind's eye) a very nice, clean cut, middle-class lady standing politely by with an regretfully embarrassed look on her face while a white-coated orthodontist repossessed her kid's braces... and I was all, wtf? You could almost hear the record grind to a stop. So I quickly revised the visual and saw him horrified, in shock as he drew out a bloody nub while the kid grinned and nice middle-class lady was looking all satisfied. It felt righter to me.

Sure, you could write a letter, but personal is better because then you can see his reaction and discuss it if need be. Would you be able to see him if you told your child, "Hey, this time I'm coming back with you; I have to see the doctor for a second," and then when they call him, just go back and wait with him til the doctor comes. You can take him out into the hallway for a quick private word, and then they can do their thing. OR, you can approach the staff and say, "Look, I need a private word with my son's doctor. It won't take but a minute, but I really need to see him personally. Can you arrange it, maybe before or after my son's appointment? Thanks." They'll try to get you to go through them at first, but they'll do it when they see you're not going to let them help you with it.

I'm sure it will work out for you; you're not his first patient to bk if he's been practicing for any length of time. But you may be like me, I think: having had enough money and good credit for however long, you never learned to navigate the world of poverty with graciousness and so it is a whole new thing. It was for me too. But you can do it, and you may even be (or have already been) surprised by the strangest places and people from whom kindness so unexpectedly flows. Good luck!!!

[tallberry]

you have no idea how accurate you are, Fresh! So funny...Anyway, I am going tomorrow for his appointment. Wish me luck?!

[FreshLikeADaisy]

Wish me luck?!

ALWAYS!!!!

Let us know how it turned out, ok? You got my curiosity all up now.