Who wants to be dictated to by the State on how you support your children — what, how and when?

Whilst many views float around arguing for and against child support, most decent fathers and parents would argue the issue is not whether or not they wish to support their children, but rather the often unfair conditions imposed upon them.

Simply, it's an attack on the nature of a father's freedom and how he best wishes to raise and support his children in the many different ways a responsible father can, which are often more effective and benefical to a child than any 'slap-bang' instrument of government and statism can ever be.

For a father going through separation/divorce, experiencing the loss of family and children, horrendous false allegations, litigation, uncertainty of where your children are and how they are doing, often causes ill health, work and life instability in so many ways. Also, the effects from not having a fully functioning and emotionally present Dad in a child's life can be equally, if not more devestating as their development can be hindered considerably.

Then if that isn't bad enough, along comes an assessment from the Child Support Agency (CSA) for an outlandish sum of money based on your capacity to work at the highest rate when you were fit and able and on fire, which is possibly a stark contrast to where your financial position is today, or will be in the future if you are unable to recover from the upheaval of a traumatic separation that's often compared to a fate worse than death.

From 2006 CSA powers in Australia have increased to not only garnish your wages, but directly withdraw from bank accounts any amount they deem appropriate, siezing assets of any sort to pay the often highly questionable and unjust debts. As Fathers are assaulted with such draconian measures, one can only feel a sense of dictatorship giving rise to a totalitarian society — not a free Australia — causing fathers to unite and fight for their rights and freedom.

As there are many issues surrounding child support and the effects upon fathers, children and families,

Share your opinion and experiences about the pros and cons of child support,
lifting the veil on a most horrid part of family breakup!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next>1,959 - 1,910 Comments +Add Yours Over 987,903 viewsSearch CSA Forum
 
By: BigJoe from VIC, Australia on December 16, 2024 @ 9:40 pm
OMG... there is a HUGE difference between supporting your kids and dealing with an agency that wants to put you in the ground. BEWARE!!! Learn the difference.
 
By: d from qld, au on March 6, 2023 @ 9:30 pm
child support wont even acknowledge that i was in a different country than the mother when the child was conceived.
i don't even have the right to ask for a DNA test.
she put me on the birth certificate and that's enough for them.
what kind of country is this ?
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By: patrick Shea from wa, Australia on August 8, 2022 @ 6:04 pm
Do not be fooled any agreement made with your ex regarding child support will not be honored any there are many reason why . If her employment changes and she claims welfare they will not abide by court (consent agreements ) In 2012 i had an order relating to the high cost of contact with an outstanding debt of $8800.00 equating to 1 years child support . Due to ongoing legal fees and the cost of going overseas to recover my son and return him to Australia CSA NZ refused the agreement in relation to the high cost of contact airfares accomadation ,car hire and living expenses as per the court order So since the change of guardianship and returning to Australia that debt is now over $32000.00 in 10 years in return i have received $3600.00 over 10 years for a child with learning difficulties Child Support Australia and new Zealand are organised crime gangs and thugs . I intend fighting both child support and the Australian Taxation Department has i now have a $140000.00 tax bill having spent close to $200000.00 legal cost ( family Law ) and loss of income over 15 years . Only has a tight nit team will father beat these organised crime gangs
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By: Nacho from WA, Australia on October 20, 2021 @ 10:33 am
@Jake,
No mate, hopefully someone has some advice for you. I just accepted it in the end that I was fighting a losing battle. Once I took the power away by not reacting, responding or letting her see it was getting to me I think that annoyed her more.
It was harder when my kids were little as they had to go along with whatever mum said. Ten years later I still haven't seen much of my twin girls, however they are a few months from turning 18 and plan on moving out of mum's house asap now.
I am not suggesting you take the same path as me, it is a lot of lost time with your kids, that you can never get back.
I did fight in family court in early years to see my kids at all and that was a long expensive process. For year I saw my kids fortnightly on weekends but over time mum worked her psychological magic on the kids and kept up her control games with me. I had to walk away two years ago for my kids and I sanity. I am still in contact with the twins now and I am sure once they drive and leave home even more so.
All this control because an adult is bitter but the main motivator was money. Two and a half thousand a month in child support. It has been tough, I carried all the debt from divorce which I haven't been able to pay off due to high child support. I work as a senior manager and still need to drive uber sometimes to get through the month. Have had many months of eating rice, skipping meals over the years.
Such a shame that this major problem affecting our kids is being swept under the carpet, no one ever wants to fix the system. I am sure if it was women that were being taken advantage of it would be out in the open very quickly and would be sorted out.
Over ten years of bullshit for me almost over, quite a significant loss of ability to be a father and hundreds of thousands paid in child support. Child support never an issue, the issue is providing a lifestyle for a fully grown adult mother.
I hope you get some answers mate and go well. Even after all the bullshit and if it appears the ex has the control, if you stand to your values and be a good person, your kids will all gravitate back to you at some point. My three eldest kids did, they all moved in with me at some point and one of the adult kids still lives with me.
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By: Jake from SA, Australia on October 18, 2021 @ 5:13 pm
Hi Everyone, just wondering if anyone has any success lodging a Contravention of child supports orders application. I have a court order and my ex continues to dictate when I can and can’t see the children because there is no immediate action I can take. Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
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By: Kerry Duncan from Australind, Australia on August 31, 2021 @ 9:43 pm
I had nothing but harassment and hounding ,I lost my Twin Daughter Cassidy three years ago this week and CSA dipstick ,thinks that child support is more important than living costs ,taking a third of my wages and then still penalties on top of that .So I decided to give up work can’t keep doing 70 hours plus a week and then $600 out a week .So not going keep working for the system when it’s fucken broken and they don’t give a shit about father rights at all Show no Compassion,but if it woman she would get all the help
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By: So long world from WA, Australia on August 31, 2021 @ 12:28 am
Last will and testament: Child Support you are so cruel and have no compassion. I pay my separated wife child support, also all her bills/mortgage/rates which you refuse to recognise even though I have sent documentation to support 100% this is correct, yet you take my daughters mother’s word that these are nothing to do with child support. IS THAT A JOKE??
Now I am close to slitting my wrist and all my possessions and savings go to her! Ain’t right but I just hope my daughter knows that I was paying quadruple weekly to make sure she was well looked after.
Goodbye and so long CSA - you need to look at your procedures before you do too much more damage to good parents!
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By: Chloe from Qld, Australia on July 24, 2021 @ 8:09 pm
Our Child support system is so incredibly damaging to separated families. It incites hostility through the inherent threat of financial destitution and no parent can confidently fulfil their role as parent under that threat. I trust my ex partner will attend to our son's needs during his care time, as will I. I dont want money from him and I dont want to pay him. It's humiliating having to share my income details. The government and ATO need to stop economising our children. Just bring back a child endowment and stop using our tax money on submarines.
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By: RogerFagan from Nsw, Australia on January 5, 2021 @ 7:47 pm
I am 78 with daughters 11and 13 but despite current Court Orders do not see atheists girls.
For 6 years CS Estimated my income at three and a halt times my taxi Le income.
No reason for the extra income I was supposed to earn.
I appealed this decision and lost assuming I still earned this income of $193000 PA without giving reasons and in the judgement got facts hopelessly untrue.
The problemI believe is the constant lies my ex told to CS including the lies that I my 70s I travelled the World playing polo which is complete BS.
I order to overcome the problems at my age I offered my ex a lump sum to avoid habingto deal with CS in the future.
On Dec 17 I received ca call from Jacky witnessed by my partner that as of Nov 20 I had a zero balance and no more to pay.as the lump sum offer had been accepted.
On Dec 22 I received a call from CS demandingI pay 2500 immediately.
On Dec 24 I received a call from CSto say 1600 had been deducted from my tax refund.L
Last week I received a notice dated Dec 19 2 days after Jackys phone call that I owed $5200.
Was then told in a phone call last week that I had a nil balance whichI do not believe because their word is not their bond.
CS refuses to let me talk to Jacky and Caroline a supervisor had refused to refund the money taken from my tax refund.
Also my income dropped drastically on July 1 yet despite getting my solicitor to lodge a change of assessment I was still forced th pay $2800 per month.
This is a terrible injustice at my age and ruined my Christmas.
How do I get justice?
Roger

3
1950. By: Kerry Duncan from WA, Australind on December 3, 2020 @ 11:17 pm
I Being over here in Australia one year and my Daughter Cassidy pass away two years ago now child support are saying I owe all this money when Cassidy was live and keep changing yet my ex got $360,000 from ACC for my Daughter yet they say it not income if I was on ACC I would still have to pay child support Nz
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By: Joe Blogs from Nsw , ZOG on November 25, 2020 @ 3:31 pm
The system,by design, makes people dependant , the key is to be independent in every way and level, all men need to strive to achive independence from the state, its not easy.
The state has, through various means(femenism,subliminal programming, social engineering, gender bias etc etc), turned women against men, weather they know it or not. As a resoult long lasting relationships are impossible, especially for the current generation. Searching for relationships is wasted time on this earth at present. The system is clearly against men , we all know that, so strive to improve your health, work,lifestyle, go mgtow . Otherwise whats the option? More of the same madness from another woman and system . As for "Hell" comments, sounds like a bitter woman , lost ,the "independent " type who couldn't survive till next week, without her csa pay check , sitting on the scrap pile of history. (Fight the system not eachother).
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By: Michael from SA, Adelaide on November 20, 2020 @ 1:06 am
A message to Hell,

You need to go pull a franger down over your head and leave it on for a good 24 hours you disgust me with your comment.

You think us men are really dumb, well your probably right. Now because if we could see or if we even knew the fukn stupid ridiculous human beings you would turn out to being whilst raising our children & the mental torment you put the fathers children through every day 2 day so called normal routine. We wouldn't think twice giving you the special gift of becoming a mother.

Us fathers that couldnt see through your fake disgusting demeanors in which yous would know about yourselves but just hiding it well enough to know that your sneakily going to inflict it on our children during their young years and if yous could feel like that towards a man & future little blessing well...

Us fathers would expect use women to be on the pill at least..!
Except really you women want a free ride in life and everyone to feel sorry for use. Its our responsibilities to stop impreganting yous wow fukn must be a a slut that spreads their legs that wide that they get pregnant hey

Dramatic changes in which the devil will come for his Hell.
Pathetic how a woman would even search this site, thats the immaturity that comes from a mother, us fathers would all hope its only one child you have and will ever have. Coz its a clear bitter Ora you have around you.

Enjoy the attention i gave you for the couple of minutes on here.. well i hope so because even though your a ghost on here, your child is going to grow up and see the true person you are and you will become that ghost in the future to your child.

Goodnight Casper
1
By: Mark from VIC, Australia on November 19, 2020 @ 5:07 pm
I am thinking of initiating a legal case against the CSA via the Ombudsman and their Child support Calculations in the current climate with Job Keeper. Interested if anyone else has had problems so far with explaining that the assessment formula used is currently out of touch and doesn't reflect reality when it comes to job keeper for the financial year 2020/21.
2
By: Karl from Qld, Australia on November 18, 2020 @ 3:29 pm
Hi everyone. My situation is a little different to the majority here. I have 100% care of my daughter, and I had no luck getting anything from my ex. I went to CS who managed to get some of her last tax return and sporadic collections from her salary. She has changed jobs for the third time, and submitted challenges to the assessments. Each change of job and challenge causes more delays. Long story short, she owes thousands in CS, and I have no hope apparently of seeing according to CS whom I spoke to today. Anyone else out there in the same boat as me?
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By: Dave from Tas , Aust on October 10, 2020 @ 10:27 pm
CSA are a gestapo agency , they are unthinking and unfeeling . They are the cause of many people taking their own lives . The CSA is evil . It needs to be totally disbanded. Vote Pauline Hanson as she is the only police I know that understands how incredibly unfair the whole system is . It is the most evil disgusting agency, any one working for them should be ashamed of them selfs .
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By: berto from Qld, Australia on September 30, 2020 @ 10:49 am
Wow HELL from WA, you sound like one angry individual. Is stopping a parent from seeing their children beneficial for the child? In some cases it does, but data shows the majority don't especially long term. Hence why there is an increase in depression and suicide amongst young people particularly young males.
Thanks for your advise but I gave my son better- go to my accountant and lawyer and set yourself up in a company so your not financially exposed. As parents we can't control who our kids sleep with. Do you have boys????

7
By: Pedro from SA, Australia on September 23, 2020 @ 6:30 am
So here's an interesting story, the ex and I seperated in 2012, became very toxic, so we called it quits, remained intimate for 2 more years, then called it, wasn't making either of us happy. In the mix was our daughter, aged 7yrs, with a 50/50 shared care agreement. I always paid child support + $1200py towards clothes + half the school fees, always wanting to pay my way, always wanting to be involved in my daughter's life. Fast forward to early 2017, the ex advises me that I no longer have to be concerned about our daughter financial future, as it had been secured. Awesome! Not long after, things took a turn for the worse, the first allegation of sexual abuse, but not by me, but another child who visited the property. It was just kids, despite their young age, being curious, was just a you show me your's, I'll show you mine scenario, but the ex was suggesting that I wasn't providing her with a safe and secure enviroment. The police got involved, Child Protection, forensic interviews wer conducted, which concluded that no emotional or physical harm had come to my daughter. Case closed. Not so fast, a year later, May 2018, after another "incident", I was yet again accused of not providing my daughter with a safe and secure enviroment, but again, no harm no foul according to the authorities. August 2018, I get arrested and charged with raping my daughter, let that sink in for a minute. I won't go into it or I'd be here all night, but the charges were withdrawn, because there was no evidence, because there was no crime, but here's where it gets interesting, what's the first thing you'd expect a mother to do if she thought her daughter had been raped? I would have expected her to seek out a Child Psychologist, to help our daughter through the most horrendous time of her life, but I'd be wrong. The first thing she did was to cancel our Child Support case, as in they are now no longer monitoring our financial situations. That's the first thing she did, 3 weeks after my arrest, before anything else, her first "appointemnt" with a "counsellor" wasn't for another 2 months, and as soon as I received tha paperwork from CPA, I knew why all this shit was happeneing. Our daughter's financial future, well, that was because her mother was to recieve a multi million dollar inherintance, at least $5M, in which she wasn't a beneficiary, but as the daughter, naturally her mother was going to look after her and her sister. The rules around Windfalls is very clear, but the outcomes can be very different, depending on the individual circumstances, but given the fact that she has 100% custody of our daughter now, it's a moot point. I'm currently in the Family Court, fighting for my right to spend time with my daughter, and the shit that is being thrown at me, it's incredible the lengths that she'll go to in order to undermine my case, but understand what she trying to protect, her share of a multi million dollar payday.

I know many here will have an opinion, and maybe even examples of case law, surrounding the subject of Winfalls and Change of Assessments, some say nothing, or at best a very limited amount, but she knows, she's know's the upper limits of her financial exposure, and here's the kicker.....she's a Senior Supervisor within the Child Support Agency.

If anyone out there does have some examples of case law involving Windfalls, I sure would appreciate it. I found some, but I need more examples before I take this to the authorities.
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By: Sven from New South Wales, Australia on September 15, 2020 @ 5:18 am
I never got a say in seeing my children. fuk the family law system fuk the Australian government.
Fuck the child support agency you guys are a bunch of fucken pigs.

I've been unable to work for the last 3 1/2 years only because of what has happened and the fact that my children are held from me and I've had avo after avo after false allegations by my ex.

fucking disgusting these women with personality disorders plain out narcissistic and this is the real fucking meaning of narcissistic.

I owe my ex $17,000 because I failed to declare $50,000 that the court gave me to get a rental property because I got forced out of my house.

so not only did I get kicked out of my own house that I paid off I'm then persecuted because I received $50,000 as I had no job to actually find a place and rent and my ex the piece of shit says it's income and I get slugged $520 per week out of my pay from work which I've just started working in the last couple of weeks.



SHAME ON ALL OF YOU SCUM PIECES OF SHIT
6
By: Hell from wA, Australia on July 4, 2020 @ 1:19 am
To all of the men complaining about child support-
Think before you have sex- it’s your choice it’s now your consequence
Put your children first, stop feeling sorry for yourselves you pathetic disempowered loosers
1
1940. By: ,Shane from Nsw, Australia on July 3, 2020 @ 10:31 pm
My ex has been living 750km away from one of my children and still claims 100% care , reported her to CSA and they have send it’s fine for a 17 year old to live in her housing commission home by himself for the past 12 months partying and because she deposits money to him each week is classed as a carer. He also receives Jobseeker but have been told full payments still apply. After reporting her it took a 5 week investigation for them to come back and say it is ok for her to do this. I am astounded at the lack of information I have been given and no this is not right. I will be objecting to the decisio within 28 days , it has been one week since the decision and today received a call to say they will be deducting the disputed amount as from next week. I haven’t had time to object yet . The system is not impartial. , extremely corrupt. Any advice is appreciated
4
By: Scott from VIC, Australia on June 25, 2020 @ 12:37 pm
Under a Change of Assessment application where no discrepancies have been found does the CSA have the legal ability to change my actual income after providing an accurate estimated annual salary figure that was consistent with my employee contract, all payslips and bank statements. The CSA then used a formula to give a false daily pay rate and annual salary that was more than double my Actual Income and creating an arrears of more than $10,000.

The agency has then stated that Special Circumstances are now met under reason 8a that until this formula was applied could not have been applied.

I believe the CSA Should not be able to change my Actual annual salary as this would not be recognised by the Tax department or even a Bank if I were to apply for loan.

2
By: Mark from Formerly WA, United Kingdom on June 7, 2020 @ 11:56 pm
Attached is the link to my latest piece about Class Actions and protesting.
This is piece is aimed at those people who are going through the hell that is the Australian Family Court and Australian Child Support Agency, and are considering instigating class actions.
https://markkosmider.com/2020/06/07/what-type-of-action-would-get-the-australian-governments-attention/
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By: Next to homeless from WA, Australia on May 10, 2020 @ 10:00 am
Hang in there guys. I know it tests us at our very core every day to go through this. To keep going year after year after year. Over a decade has been taken by the ex who in that time has orchestrated a fake story of who I was a husband, person and father. I was chewed up and spat out, a vro taken out against me follow by year upon year of control of me and the kids by the ex. I saw very little of the kids in the early years. I don't know how but she somehow keeps control of my kids until they are eighteen in my experience (I have 5 kids so have seen the pattern). That I struggle to understand, if I was them I would not even ask I would just walk out the door and say I am going to see the other parent whether that was the mum or dad. Although part of my does understand as I have been on the receiving end of that emotional control during marriage as fully grown adult and did everything I could to keep her happy as the tantrums and childish behavior we all had to suffer if we didn't keep her happy was horrendous.
Ok to discard you like trash but put out the hand to take you money. $610 a week child support. I will pay for my kids any day, no problem but no one needs this much weekly for two kids. This is just funding her crossfit, morning coffees, overseas holidays and paying her mortgage. I will never understand someone wanting to "win" over another person, if I was in a position to do that I would make sure the kids saw their mum and everything was amicable and chilled out.
Pretty hard to respect a person that puts themselves before their kids but puts on a fake persona that they are all for their kids. Also hard to respect someone who yearly takes money from The Smith family charity when it is not needed. Also to apply for local government sport assist to pay sport fees for kids and then pretending she paid, she doesn't know I know this one. Charity and assistance are for people in need. Trust me if you visited the ex's house which was my house, the one I worked FIFO for years to build and if you saw the lifestyle it well above the average of the population.
I am in a bedroom in someone's house getting by day to day, lot's of debt and can only count the days until I am free from control and financial drain. Two years left now. I have been counting for so long now.
It astounds me that this story is so common. Can't people just be nice to each other. Have a conversation to end things and work out what is best for the kids, share the assets etc.
Instead it turns into a greedy grab and a game of keepy off with the children. In the case of my ex this was the only way she was going to get ahead in life. She never worked (hence the need to FIFO) was a lazy person, sat on her arse watching TV when I got home from work everyday. They see the financial gain which as a certainty. Winning lotto not likely and the thought of working not appealing. So they cheat on their husband, put on some tears in court to get a vro base don lies, control you completely until the kids are eighteen.
Two years to go. 24 months. 104 weeks. There is light at the end of this crazy tunnel
6
By: jeffrey OBrien from nsw, australia on May 4, 2020 @ 4:23 pm
been a disabled pensioner since 1994 child support have had me paying late payment penalty fees ever since my wife run away with her present husband the child support office have said it was to stop when he turned 18 in 2005 and CSO Have charged me $50.00 week from my DSP aged 62 now and that boy is 32 years old and was an adult employee at age 17 he also illegally went to Korea in 1992 without my SIGNATURE ON HIS APPLICATION TO LEAVE AUSTRALIA I AM AT PRESENT TAKING LEGAL ACTION AGAINST HER WHEN I CAN FIND HER BECAUSE CSO WONT PROVIDE ANY HELP EXCEPT SAYING YOUR CHILD SUPPORT SHOULD HAVE STOPPED IN 2005
4
By: Mark from Jersey, United Kingdom on April 20, 2020 @ 11:36 pm
Replying to Andrew Sialeipata from Queensland, Australia.

I'm sorry to read of the horrific situation you now find yourself in.

Parenting Orders aren't really worth the paper they are written on - as you are finding out. There is no punishment when the orders are continually contravened. Many parents are subjected to this contempt of court, usually without recourse. Unless you are willing to spend a small fortune. Also, because you are happily re-married, your ex will continually hold this against you. Alienator's will think nothing of using your shared children to get back at you.

What you are now going through is Parental Alienation (Google it). You need to understand this, you need to nip this in the bud immediately because time is the alienator's best friend. Time is your worst enemy in this case.

Join these groups, they are really very helpful.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1392887140933658/
https://www.facebook.com/australianbrotherhoodoffathers/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/178235639470260/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/353704511631668/

Best of luck!

You might find some useful information in my blog.
https://markkosmider.com/



4
By: Andrew Sialeipata from Queensland, Australia on April 17, 2020 @ 9:55 pm
Since i had repartnered and remarried my exwife has made it so difficult for me to see my children. Though i have consent orders in place the ex doesnt honour any of the agreements in place but when i have my children and i bring them home late the ex quickly recites the consent orders.
My heritage is samoan and the ex had my daughters tonsils removed because " samoans have oversize tonsils which causes her to snore therefore must be removed" my daughter has flat feet and yes you guessed it because shes samoan. My daughter is overweight and i have brought it up with the ex and the same thing its because she is yes samoan. I deal with a spiteful person and i need to beg her for permission to let me see my kids I drive an hour and a half to pick my kids up, on many occasions on arrival to the pick up destination ill receive a text saying the kids arent coming with you this weekend. I hold back tears and drive home.
3
By: Mark Kosmider from WA, Australia on April 14, 2020 @ 9:07 pm
False Allegations Research Project

Hi Group

I launched my False Allegations Research Project 4 April 2020. To date I have emailed 12 surveys, of which 2 have been returned to me completed.

Many of us have been the unfortunate recipients of False Allegations in the Family Courts in Australia, so now is your time to have your say. The more respondents who take part in the survey the more accurate will be the data, and consequently, the final report about the crisis us falsely accused find ourselves in. I am hoping to receive a minimum of "300" completed surveys. More would be ideal.

I am undertaking this research project because 10-years ago this month (April Fool's Day to be precise) I was falsely accused of abusing my then 33-month old son in the Family Court of WA. In July of this year I will have been alienated from him for 10-years. No contact at all. Not even a photo or school report. And yet, I have still had to pay child support!

Rather than get angry and bitter and twisted, I am hoping to use the results of my research project to highlight the problem, and to bring about change and accountability.

You can find more details about the project, including the survey document by clicking on the link below.

Please feel free to pass on this link to anyone you feel may want to take part who are not members of this group. My email is mkresearchproject@gmail.com.

Thank you, Mark Kosmider
https://markkosmider.com/project/
2
By: Tracey Pedlar from WA, Australia on April 10, 2020 @ 9:06 pm
For my son who is happy to pay for his children.
3 Chidren, 9,10 and soon to turn 13
13 year old lives with Dad. As she will be turning 13 soon his child support is increasing. (Teenagers cost more, yes ok) BUT get this, the mother who has the younger 2 kids gets the extra money from him, when the child lives with him!
Mmmmmmm
Teenager with Dad going to cost him more, but he has to pay more maintenance?? What
1
By: Mark from WA, Australia on April 10, 2020 @ 7:33 pm
1930. By: Darren from NSW, Australia on April 9, 2020 @ 11:30 pm

I had the same happen to me: one year the CSA inflated my income by about $30k. Unfortunately the CSA have multiple ways of assessing income. Your ATO assessment is only part of the process. They can assess you on your potential! Such as your potential to earn cash money, which industries like your are notorious for. If not done so already you need to lodge a change of assessment. If this is unsuccessful you need to appeal their decision. If your appeal is unsuccessful you need to lodge an application with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Give the time that has elapsed, you may need to lodge extension of time applications for you can a lodge your appeals.

Also, and I am not saying you do, but if your income is X and yet your lifestyle suggests an income of Y, then you can find yourself paying inflated child support.

Lastly, join this group if you haven't already - they may be able to offer more comprehensive advice. https://www.facebook.com/groups/178235639470260/
2
1930. By: Darren from NSW, Australia on April 9, 2020 @ 11:30 pm
Back in 2016 the CSA done an audit or review thing on me. Gave me a notice saying that I earnt $961,000 for the year. I'm now still getting chased for it. I've Been given a departure proabiton order to not leave the country. I now have a debt of about $61,000 and steadily increasing due to the stupid interest and fees they slap on it. I can goto the ATO website and clearly see what I earnt that year and what I was taxed on. These guys are vultures sometimes. They go with a computer generated algorithm that is way out of touch.
I'm just a mechanic.... never in my wildest dreams have I earnt that type of money
2
By: Don from Qld, Australia on March 31, 2020 @ 7:17 am
I have been paying child support for my daughter for the last 10yrs and I have not seen or heard from her. I know she lives in USA with her mom. She turns 18 this August and child support says I still need to pay until she finishes schooling July 2021 cause they live in USA. Is this fair? I also have a two year old boy to care for. Please help any suggestions. It’s depressing and and unfair to my wife I am completely over paying child support. Need to put more attention for my son and give him a better future. What can I do? I thought once they turn 18yrs it’s over paying.
4
By: Terry from VIC, Australia on March 4, 2020 @ 3:57 pm
DAVE : This incidents should be shared with a local member of parliament.????? you joking mate ? I have try with several times with different members of Parliament , and they wont touch it with a 10 foot pole!!! When I approached my member of parliament they just quoted policy's from CSA/Humans services website.

4
By: Dave from Vic, Australia on March 3, 2020 @ 12:48 pm
To MICHAEL from VIC.
Word cannot describe the pain of losing your beautiful daughter to suicide, let alone as a result of a negligent and faceless system, the CSA. My heart goes out to you mate, I'm crying just thinking of what you're going through, I really feel for you mate. Please ensure you seek help (Mens helpline) to process the grief and don't let the loss of your daughter go unanswered. The CSA needs to know what has transpired as a result of their actions.

TO ALL.
Michael's story is horrific to say the least. Just this forum alone there are nearly 2000 recorded incidents of threats, bulling, harassment, manipulation and cohesion by the CSA. This incidents should be shared with a local member of parliament. While I agree with comments the system is designed to ensure non paying fathers support their kids, it's the fathers who pay and care for their kids that get hit the hardest. I have my kids 50/50 pay all their bills and child support, yet I too get the wrong end of the stick from the CSA. The system is poorly governed, staff not trained to deal with men who are at the lowest point in their lives and I daresay staff at CSA are on a monthly collections target. They use a calculation algorithm that does not take into account an individual's financial situation and heavily bias against the 'payer'. The system is broken!

The CSA, in the majority of cases, is the first touch point of acknowledging our failed relationship with our ex and the breakdown of our family unit. At this point we are emotionally venerable, we are process grief and living life one day at a time. This juncture of our lives is very, very dark with extreme emotional pain that simply won't subside. It is at this point CSA grace us with their presence. I know I've been there! While it wouldn't be hard to link it back to the actions of the CSA, I would suggest that the proportion of the 45 men who commit suicide each week some would be attributed to the actions of the CSA. The CSA staff need to be able to deal with men who are suffering from mental health issues due to trauma of having their lives ripped apart. The CSA need to implement a system that empower their cases managers to review each case separately and to offer free counseling along with mental and emotional health support groups. They need to have a system that is non bias to either the payee or payer and take into consideration all aspects of the payer's financial situation... But nothing is done about it!

If each and every one of us who posted on Father 4 Justice wrote a letter to Hon Kevin Andrews MP who's leading the reform of Family Law and Child Support Laws on their experiences with CSA and suggested reforms ,i.e. treat us as individuals not just a number in the system we might be heard. We all need to be heard for sake our children and the sake of all the great Dads out there being abused by the CSA and broken family court system.

Write your letters/emails to:

Hon Kevin Andrews MP
(Principal Office)
1st Floor 651-653 Doncaster Road
Doncaster, VIC, 3108
PH: 03 98489900
Em: menzies@aph.gov.au

Ref Media Release:
https://www.pm.gov.au/media/joint-parliamentary-inquiry-family-law-and-child-support
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/mind/australian-men-are-in-crisis-with-suicide-rates-rising-meet-some-of-the-men-wholl-die-this-week/news-story/4488a31ab0392ce1f7ee1a8717e73d38

UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL


3
By: Marjorie from WA, Australia on February 19, 2020 @ 11:05 pm
Asking for an Alienated Father friend I support. Has anyone had any luck appealing to the AAT to have a debt wiped – a debt that accrued as penalties over a period. Assessments have since been corrected because of proof of no income and now he is on benefits due to depression, so there should therefore now there should be no penalties retrospectively. If unsuccessful with the AAT, can anyone advise the next step in the process?
9
By: Darrin from Victoria, Australia on February 18, 2020 @ 12:03 am
Just a warning to everyone out there. Years ago my Ex claimed I never paid Child Support, I did, in cash, every week... so then Child Support gets involved, and informs me I owe $80k, I explain to them I have paid, in cash, every week.. and they asked for dates and receipts... To which I had none, as things were amicable. So basically Child Support said TOUGH, YOU HAVE TO PAY.
Now, I’m told the inheritance I was to receive for my deceased mother has now been taken by Child Support (by law) and there’s nothing I can do about it.
So be warned people, CSA don’t believe anything you say, don’t give a shit about what you say, and honestly don’t care about you at all
12
By: Next to homeless from WA, Australia on February 15, 2020 @ 9:50 pm
My child support increased to $610 per week. Although it sucks that this amount really is providing my ex a luxury lifestyle and I don't even see the kids. I just try not to go there in my head anymore. Just over two years to go and getting closer every day. Sure I will have paid her house of by then and she would have had countless overseas holidays at my expense while I have missed meals, defaulted on rent, defaulted with the bank,become used to be spoken down to by CSA, creditors, feeling unworthy as I am always in debt and uneasy about where the next meal is coming from etc. There is the other aspect too of it making a possible relationship now very hard due to the financial aspect which forces me to work a second job, so no time or money for a partner really. Maybe it's the many years under my belt of dealing with this nonsense and the less amount of years ahead but I almost at peace with it. Don't get me wrong I have my moments when it really bothers me but each day the end is that bit closer, it is one less day that she has a guaranteed financial boost to rely on, it one day closer to the end of the connection with this person, the end of the control that was imposed from day one of her cheating then putting a VRO on me, followed by years and years of control and stupidity all to try and save face, cover up, keep the kids from me and just generally be an all round bitch. I am ok, because I earn every dollar that has ever come to me. Always have and always will and because of that integrity I can hold my head high. The day is getting closer that my kids will drive, then the control is less again for my ex. My kids just might visit their dad :) There is something that can't be taken away by anyone and that is that there is an end to this. My child support now at an all time high I at least know it can't get any higher. Well unless she works less or quits work , which knowing her could happen. If that happens I will deal with it. The days of control are disappearing then all that person will have is material possessions, their shitty morals and standards, their fake personality and having to live with the fact that they are a crappy human being. I need not wish harm to them.I wish good for them as they are going to need it as they are truly clueless what a good stand up person actually is.
5
By: Adrian from Nsw , Australia on February 13, 2020 @ 7:16 pm
Hi Holly from QLD
Sorry to say it doesn't matter what you do child support (assholes) always win
They even have the authority to call your place of employment to find out what you earn
I learnt that from experience
If you have a filthy maggot ex like me all you can do is quit your job and go on centerlink
$20 a fortnight is all they get then
And it's never about the kids is all about hurting the fathers
I have tried for years to beat the system and there isnt a way
I pay a ridiculous amount each week but child support don't care

3
By: Holly from QLD, Australia on February 12, 2020 @ 11:48 am
Hi, I'm a mother who pays child support and I have not seen my children for over 3 years (now 19 & 16). Parental Alienation. Simple as that. I know its more often mothers who do this to their ex husbands but I never thought it would happen to me...I was a stay at home mum who worked part time to care for our family and children. He refused mediation. I have no contact with him either which is police ordered due to harassment. I do have direct contact with the kids via their phones but I don't get a response. I will never forgive him for denying and destroying my relationship with my kids - its only hurt them (me too but I've had counselling etc to get past it)

So I pay child support on time per the assessment every month. My income went up slightly as I moved away for work and started working full time, also rented out my house and even though its a loss its taken into the CS calculation I believe. I now don't have the property. If I delay lodging my tax return do my Child Support payments get backdated and by how far? Or do they just change from when they were re assessed when I lodge my return? Any advice as I think I'm going to get slammed with a huge bill.

3
By: StevenG from QLD, Australia on February 8, 2020 @ 3:03 pm
I have just looking through some of the comments here and CSA certainly seem like the bullies that they are.
The question I have is regards to a phone call that I received from CSA today regarding change in Custodial arrangements as reported to them by an ex-wife.
I did the whole expensive Court Orders in the Family Court drama several years ago and it has been working fine until my son decided 2 years ago to stop coming to my place. His mother has always been tying to get me out of his life and when he stopped coming to my place she would have been happy with that.
So my question is can CSA force me to back pay total payments for the last 2 years? I have always paid what the CSA has dictated and have never missed a payment.
So if a child decides to stop coming to my place does this change my CSA payments and can it be back dated and if not then what are my options?
I am hoping that someone can provide me with some options.
Cheers,

Steve


5
1920. By: Max from NSW, Australia on February 7, 2020 @ 8:26 pm
Hi Gents
I’m sure a few of you have been or are in the same situation as I am at the moment.
Around twelve years ago I had a very brief relationship and since then have been paying child support. Over the years my wage has increased to the point where CS is charging me an exorbitant amount. I have no problem with paying CS even after being trapped into this situation but do not wish to be robbed blind.

My main question is;

if I were to leave my current employer, create a company and be a director of that company, become an employee of that company and be paid around 80k per annum as reportable income to CS and the company invested any profits into say property or shares, can CS touch any bank accounts/shares/property that are in the company’s name being that it is a separate entity to myself?

I don’t have any other children so having a taxable income of 80k and CS taking want they deem to be correct should be more than enough to raise a child in good stead.

Thanks for your input everyone,
Cheers, Max.

4
By: Adrian from Nsw , Australia on February 5, 2020 @ 8:05 pm
Seriously Who can afford a holiday
I can't even afford to eat well each week
I couldn't even afford a ferry ticket to manly

4
By: Ted from Formerly QLD, USA on February 4, 2020 @ 8:09 pm
Hi CSA Legal,

Yes they can freeze you from leaving the country, happened to me. Had to pay to leave and it’s the last time I have stepped foot back in Australia. If you have been through the family law process and CSA your are guilty until you prove otherwise. They will fax you a letter and it will have the ramifications worded in the content of what will happen if you try and leave the country through customs. Federal police will arrest you on the spot. Try work out the minimum payment so you can work. Otherwise prepare a case for losses earnings and reputation. Very difficult and costly for you to hit them with legalities as they are a government body.
5
By: is CSA process even legal? from VIC, Australia on February 4, 2020 @ 5:17 pm
Pay close to top level bracket child support, have children school hols and 1 weekend every month, work in sales so base + comission, so fluctuates rapidly. Just got a notice from CSA saying i owe additional 20k based on change of assessment that was filed. Never received a call stating impact just a change in care level. Since 3 months have passed since lodgement I cant dispute, received emails to my GOV but thought they were just statement notifications. Stated the "other party" has supplied evidence that i only had the children 45 nights in calendar year instead of 52, which falls below regular care level (interstate situation), this was then backdated 2 years, and assessment team has come up with a figure of 20k lump sum, or payment plan of min 5k per month over next 4 months? cant show me workings or evidence how. which I have till friday to pay or i cant leave the country. I work in a sales role for a global company and travel to Asia and USA regualarly and leave next week. how can CSA demand 20k through a process you are not involved in, and not let you leave the country based on an assessment using one set of evidence? I asked for extension of time to supply evidence, but they refused. I need to pay or i cant leave the country given communication issue and christmas holidays, no extension or review possible. is this normal or even legal??? should i seek legal advice?
13
By: Lucy from NSW, Australia on January 31, 2020 @ 4:24 pm
I'm commenting on behalf of my husband..it's awful to watch him go through this BS with no support from a biased government department. Whilst I know there are some terrible fathers out there that don't care about their children, why doesn't anyone acknowledge the terrible mothers that don't give a shit about their children? My husbands ex-wife does is seriously only interested in money. She is so bitter and we have no idea why because she's the one that ended their relationship 9 years ago! All the CSA bullshit we go through is insane and so 'pro-mother' it's not even funny. We've objected to reassessments being done and CSA turn around and almost DOUBLE the income they think he should earn..AFTER our objection. How is it possible for unqualified people to make decisions regarding businesses when they don't own one themselves nor are they qualified accountants? So f*$king angry! And on top of that they set an almost maximum CS amount for almost 4 years but she can change her income every year?!?! We're considering going through the AAT for that reason alone not to mention everything else. And to these mothers that say 'oh raising kids costs money' then why are you denying the father additional custody even when he asks every single month?!?! They use the child as bait to get more money!! His ex has multiple properties, a 6 figure salary, just bought a new $100k car, gets maximum child support ($15k & counting) and STILL won't pay for the school uniforms...has admitted she'd rather see the child go in plain clothes! WTF?! She's absolutely disgusting and living proof she does not give a f*&k about their child.

And for any mothers reading this thinking 'oh you don't understand, you're not in their position'. Firstly, thank god - every time I think about her I'm grateful that I wasn't born a nasty, bitter, vindictive, spiteful b*tch. Secondly, I'll never be in her position because my children will always come first. Money doesn't make people happy...it certainly isn't making her happy.

Has anyone had any experience/luck with the AAT by any chance?

I know it might seem a little out of the ordinary, but I'm with the fathers here. I feel for you guys, especially when you're doing the right thing by your child.
2
By: Harry from NSW, Australia on January 28, 2020 @ 8:54 pm
Lucas i am not clear on your comments here. You state that you had an Arrangement with "no Child Support". Do you mean that the CSA was not involved or that you paid no CS due to the 50/50 Arrangement you had? Why has the situation/Arrangement now changed? Has your Ex. now engaged the CSA to collect on her behalf?
2
By: Adrian from Nsw , Australia on January 28, 2020 @ 7:06 pm
Child support are just a bunch of scum bags
We can't win guys
It's all a f##cking joke
2
By: Lucas Walters from New South Wales, Australia on January 28, 2020 @ 4:52 pm
I have 50/50 with my ex wife and have had an Agreement With her for the last 5 years with no child support. And she just had a baby with her new partner and now she is making me pay child support. Prior to this she was and alway had Make more money then me. My fight is I won’t to get the money to my kids and not me ex wife who I know she will not give that money or my kids. Has anyone got help
8
By: Harry from NSW, Australia on January 15, 2020 @ 2:36 am
The system is f##ked. But it definitely is not simple. Those who have been attacked by this brutal system understand it's dark oppressive impact upon our lives and mental health. Us victims, of this f##ked system, have choices. We either accept the oppressive will of the STATE, upon our lives, or we discover the warrior within and fight with the same tenacity that they use against us, they don't like it nor should they. If you can, try to avoid speaking to them at all. If you have to speak to them always prepare. Read the bull##it rules they attempt to jam down your throats, find the flaws/contradictions in the garbage they tell you, never accept anything they tell you, prepare daily phone call plans, referring back to your own notes/records of every CSA phone conversations, always pointing out THEIR errors, this will empower you. Be polite but extremely assertive. NEVER accept and NEVER agree to anything, don't allow them to speak over you. This organisation is your uninvited enemy, they do not have your interest in mind.

To be most effective you should be putting your energy into getting the recieving parent to agree to a private arrangement and getting the state away from you. This is usually quite challenging though it is a short cut in the process, saving time, money and a truckload of negative emotions. Here the warrior applies creativity, assertiveness, negotiation and lets' go of the ego/victim mentality.
There are ways and means to stand against this ruthless monster titled the CSA. We cannot grant it authority or permit it entry into our lives. If it enters we must ensure it exits ASAP before too much damage is done.
5
By: Adrian from Nsw , Australia on January 14, 2020 @ 7:16 pm
It's simple
The whole system is f##ked
9
1910. By: Harry from NSW, Australia on January 14, 2020 @ 9:49 am
There IS another way out of this soul draining circus. Do what ever you can to get the claiming parent to go into a PRIVATE ARRANGEMENT. The claiming parent simply has to make a phone call to the CSA and confirm that they no longer require the services of the CSA and would prefer to engage in a PRIVATE ARRANGEMENT. Make an offer to the claiming parent. Threaten
your own court action. Negotiate conditions with the other parent, mediate, quit your job, go on a sickness benefit (because you really aren't well. Do what ever it takes to get the other parent to make that CSA phone call and remove the STATE out of your life so that you can live. You can then take control over how you want to contribute to your children's lives.