Opinion ID: 1263508
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Issue II: Uncovered Medical Expenses

Text: In the final divorce order, Mother was given complete authority to make all decisions regarding Samuel's medical and educational needs. Father was required to pay his prorata share of 64.4% of the uncovered medical expenses. Because this payment was not stayed pursuant to Rule 225(b)(6), SCACR, Father was required to pay these medical expenses, and the family court retained jurisdiction to enforce this provision during the appeal. Although the issue of apportioning medical expenses from the final divorce order was on appeal, Father did not seek to modify his obligation in the present case, and this dispute did not affect a matter on appeal. Instead, Father asked the family court to determine whether the medical expenses previously submitted by Mother were subject to the provisions of the final order. This issue could be addressed by the family court under Rule 205 and under Rule 225, SCACR. Father contends that the order directing him to pay or reimburse Mother for uncovered medical expenses constituted an abuse of discretion. He argues that these medical expenses were not reasonable for several reasons and claims he should not have to pay for unconventional and unnecessary treatment. Father also argues that he should not have to pay medical expenses that are not submitted to insurance providers. We disagree. After a hearing on the issue of medical expenses, the family court determined that the medical expenses were reasonable and proper under the final divorce order. Father offered numerous reasons why the expenses did not fall under the scope of the final order, and the family court disagreed and ordered Father to pay his required share. Although this Court has the authority to find facts in accordance with its own view of the preponderance of the evidence, we should not disregard the findings of the family court judge, who saw and heard the witnesses. Hooper v. Rockwell, 334 S.C. 281, 297, 513 S.E.2d 358, 367 (1999). The family court did not abuse its discretion by finding Father's payment of the requested medical expenses to be enforceable under the final divorce order.