In the first instance you should contact the Child Support Agency and take advantage of the appropriate actions they have in place for the collection of child support, including arrears of child support. It is important that you contact the Child Support Agency promptly as there may be time limits in relation to which arrears they are able to collect for you.
Child Support
I do not agree with the Child Support Assessment, what can I do?
You should contact the Child Support Agency and complete the appropriate documentation relevant to the circumstances of your disagreement to the Child Support Assessment.
I do not receive Child Support, do I have to send the kids to see their mum/dad?
Because child support and the time a child spends with a parent are not the same issue you cannot stop sending children to see their parent simply because you have not been receiving the child support you are supposed to receive. If you were to stop sending the children to a parent and a Contravention Application was filed in the court against you the court would form a very poor view of you in relation to this action.
If you are not receiving the child support you are entitled to receive you should contact the Child Support Agency and follow the appropriate channels to ensure you receive that child support and any arrears owing.
I have been paying Child Support for a child who I have found out is not my biological child, what can I do?
In the first instance you should approach the Child Support Agency with a view to having them stop the Child Support Assessment. Sometimes the Child Support Agency will not stop collecting Child Support from you. In that situation it is likely that you will need to commence a court proceeding seeking a stay of the Child Support Assessment and an Order for DNA testing to occur.
Whether or not you will be entitled to a refund of the Child Support which has been paid will depend on the circumstances of your particular matter.
I pay Child Support, why can’t I see my kids?
Child Support and the time a parent spends with their kids are two separate issues. Whilst the court can, when determining the arrangements to be made for children, consider whether or not child support is being paid it is not the most significant factor considered in deciding when and how much time a child will spend with each of the parents. What is in the best interests of the children is the most significant factor in deciding whether or not you will be able to see your children and how often and how long.