Have you been assessed to pay child support to your former partner and don’t agree with the amount? Are your circumstances different to what was considered in the assessment? The Family Law team at McInnes Wilson Lawyers can help!
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
CALL THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Immediately contact the Department of Human Services (“DHS”) who are the body responsible for administering child support on 131 272. Let them know if your circumstances have changed which make the assessment unfair or if you disagree with an assessment.
It is important you act quickly otherwise your child support debt will continue to grow.
10 Reasons To Change A Child Support Assessment
Find out the 10 reasons that will make you eligible for a change in your child support assessment.
APPLY FOR A CHANGE OF ASSESSMENT
You may be eligible to apply to have the assessment changed.
There are 10 reasons when an assessment can be changed, to find out what they are click here.
If you think one of those reasons apply to you submit your Application to change the assessment with DHS. The form you need to complete can be found on the DHS website, just click on this link.
If you are unsure if these reasons apply to you, or DHS reject your application and you want to know your options, contact us to find out more.
WHAT NOT TO DO:
REFUSE TO PAY
Don’t refuse to pay your assessed amount of child support simply because you do not agree with it. This will result in a debt and interest may accrue meaning you pay even more.
You may also find DHS will recover the payment by garnishing a portion of your wages or withholding any tax return. You may also be stopped at the airport if you try to travel internationally. We addressed this in a previous blog – click here.
WE CAN HELP:
If you have any questions surrounding child support assessments or parenting or property related matters contact the Family Law team at McInnes Wilson Lawyers today.
Special Counsel