What to do if you disagree with a child support agency decision?
You should make sure you read any letters from the Child Support Agency very carefully. If the letter or the decision is not clear to you, you should telephone the Child Support Agency on 131 772.
Can a family dispute be resolved through mediation?
Some families have complex issues to deal with that can make mediation difficult and take a long time. When each family member makes their child’s interests the priority, workable parenting agreements can be reached sooner. If a dispute can be resolved through mediation, it will be significantly less expensive than having to go to court.
Who is responsible for writing a child support agreement?
A child support agreement letter can either be written by one of the divorcing parents, signed by the other and a witness, or it can be written by a third-party mediator such as a lawyer who will also sign the letter. The arrangements for support of any children will be decided by the judge during…
How to object to a child support decision?
An objection must be in writing. For most child support decisions, you must lodge your objection within 28 days from when you received your decision letter (or 90 days if you live overseas). Your objection will be reviewed by a DHS objections officer. Visit the DHS website for more information about objecting to child support decisions.
How does mediation work in a child support case?
With mediation and collaborative family law, parents in a child support dispute (along with their attorneys) have an opportunity to play an active role in resolving key decisions related to child support, instead of having a third party (judge or jury) make those decisions.
What to do if you disagree with a child support decision?
Visit the DHS website for more information about objecting to child support decisions. If you disagree with the DHS decision, you may be able to appeal the decision to Administrative Appeals Tribunal – Social Services and Child Support (SSCS) Division. The SSCS Division appeal is quick, informal and free.
Some families have complex issues to deal with that can make mediation difficult and take a long time. When each family member makes their child’s interests the priority, workable parenting agreements can be reached sooner. If a dispute can be resolved through mediation, it will be significantly less expensive than having to go to court.
Can a lawyer negotiate a child support agreement?
In some cases, the parties in a child support dispute may prefer to have their positions negotiated by an attorney, or the parties may negotiate themselves, and can consult their attorneys prior to finalizing any agreement.