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!

<Prev 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Next>1,437 - 1,388 Comments +Add Yours Over 894,215 viewsSearch CSA Forum
3
By: Ian King from QLD, Australia on November 22, 2016 @ 8:46 pm

Hi Jimmy,

I find it ironic that a C.O.A. can be submitted with both a Reason 8A and Reason 8B at the same time. Reason 8A is "we think you are earning more than you are declaring" and Reason 8B is "we think you are not earning as much as you should be". The irony seems to escape the CSA however.

With regards your questions :
[1]
If you don't communicate with them, they will just escalate the case without your involvement anyhow. Unless you are planning on emigrating, or living 'outside' the system, I don't know if ignoring them serves any purpose. They will not go away.

However, if you do choose to communicate with them, then I would suggest :
[a] Do not give them any information over the phone. Insist that all requests for information are sent via mail, and only reply by mail. This way you will have an audit trail.
[b] Volunteer as little information as possible. Anything that they are legally allowed to request, such as bank statements, they can obtain directly from your bank themselves. This initial part of the process is a "Fishing Expedition". They are trying to gather as much information about you as possible, so they can "cherry pick" pieces that suite their objective. Dont give it to them voluntarily.
[c] Be aware that information that you volunteer will be given to your ex-spouse. They will most certainly not ask her for the same level of disclosure.
[d] The reason I suggest volunteering as little information as possible, is that in my particular case, I gave them everything they asked for throughout the process. By the time I had completed the objection, review and AAT process, I had over 600 pages of documentation. This in response to 2 pages of statements from my ex, which initiated the C.O.A. If you have to involve a lawyer later on in the process, the fewer documents you have, the cheaper and better it will be.
[e] Request a reference number for each conversation with them and keep a log of these. However, do not rely on their call recordings. These are conveniently lost when it suites them.

[2]
You are not allowed representation at this point in the process.

[3]
You should submit your Tax Return.

Do you see your children and do you have a parenting plan in place ? The "Care Percentage" variable in the formula can make just as large an impact on you support payments.

Good Luck
Ian
1
By: Jimmy from QLD, Australia on November 22, 2016 @ 4:50 pm
Here is my letter from the CSA. Please give me thoughts.
1. Call them or not
2. I am not allowed representation, true or false
3. recent years I was 3.5K a month so I left Australia. Last tax return showed 20K earnings, do you think due to the fact I have not done my last tax return while not working it will be increased to 3.5K a month again.

Letter

Dear Jimmy, We are writing to you to advise we have received a Change of Assessment application from C..... We have an address for you, via the Child Support Consulting in South Australia, but we are required to speak to you, not your representative during this process. Note: You cannot be represented by a solicitor or another person during the change of assessment process. While an authorised representative may make simple enquiries on your behalf or explain certain limited information, they cannot act on your behalf during this process. With regards to the Change of Assessment application, C..... has applied under Reason 8A & Reason 8B. A copy of C........ application and all supporting documents have been forwarded to Child Support Consulting address, including a response form and a reply paid envelope. We would like you to participate in this process, so if you respond verbally via telephone, or online, or in writing could you please fill in the response form and send any evidence to support your income. We are yet to receive a 2015/2016 tax return from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for yourself, could you please provide income details for this period and also the current 2016/2017 period. This will assist in making a correct decision in relation to your income for this process. Please note the open exchange of information means all parties have the opportunity to respond and comment on the information used by the decision maker. Your personal and confidential information contained on pages 5 and 6 of the Information and Privacy section will not be given to the other party. Documents cannot be exchanged after a change of assessment decision has been made. You can access your Child Support online account through myGov. MyGov is a fast and secure way to access a range of government services online with one username and password. You can create a myGov account at.my.gov.au and link it to your Child Support online account. We look forward to hearing from you, Regards Warren
2
By: robin from New South Wales, Australia on November 22, 2016 @ 10:57 am
Aj and other fathers
A question a lot of fathers talk about killing themselfs as its the only way out of the CSA circle my question would be what would the mother tell the kids " sorry daddy killed himself as he didnt want to pay csa no more "
Not really fair on the kids is it to grow up thinking that?
Im not being rude or anything Im fighting them myself to get whats far for my kids and my partner is fighting them too but he went to court and still going throu court just is he would never even think about killing himself over it his kid means the world to him CSA ex bitch gf or not

8
By: Sammy from vic, aust on November 21, 2016 @ 8:18 pm
Keep with us AJ + anyone else who feels that way. I am in my 50s + been down the dark side many times, close to death i can tell you + glad i made it through, although i am still picking up the pieces many years on. Don't give any of these assholes the pleasure of seeing us MEN give up + give our dignity away no matter what they strip from us. They're all causing harm + committing crimes + many know it. We should be using the Crimes Acts 1914 (cth) + 1958(vic) + commercial liens to put all these scumbags behind bars + seize their assets, like they do to us.

CSA rules
1. Don't ever enter into any agreement with agents of CSA (ie. no applications, agreements or phone contact). Don't fall for their nice as pie routine at the start so they can form an agreement, which is their aim. They absolutely don't give a f*ck about you + that's all you have to understand + remember.
2. Always reject/decline[rebut] their offers or counter offer with big charges if they want to do business with you. Use conditional acceptance.
3. Learn what commercial agreements + contracts are.
4. Always seek proof of any debt incl. copy of any contract with all the essential elements, actual accounting + signed invoice/affidavit showing exchange of value.
5. Learn how to deal with debt commercially with limited liability + as MAN with unlimited liability. Any debt no matter how big can always be discharged by signing the back of the original charging instrument, if they ever took it to court. Just don't argue + keep in honour. Their whole system is contracts.

All their games are FRAUD + commercial law. Time to take off the rose coloured glasses + research + research. They prey on our ignorance + emotional obfuscation + the fact our animal brains wanna punch their heads in cos of the wrong they perpetuate -- the whole industry of theft..

GOD/CREATOR
MAN
MAN created entity/fiction (ie. CSA)

Who has the supreme authority,, Man or CSA?
7
By: AJ from W.A, Australia on November 21, 2016 @ 6:18 pm
I feel everybody's pain here, I really do.

Now I am getting really concerned for myself though, and I don't know what to do....

I will still have to pay these criminals until about 2018. Hopefully, I will then clear up my "fake debt". But by then, I'm assuming that no bank is going to give me a mortgage of any kind at all. :-( because I turn 50 in January 2017.

I swear, it makes me want to go out and do something criminal.

I could try to get a cheaper place to live in the Philippines (so I can be with my youngest daughter) but I've looked, and I'm still looking at about $150,000 for something in her small town.

I honestly think that the only way I'm going to set a future for my youngest, is to kill myself in a few years, and hope that my insurance and Super can cover things for her.

Interesting that CSA "cunts" are the biggest cause of male suicide in Australia, but nobody say a fucking word. Also weird that as I'm getting older, I am fearing death less and less. But that's another story......
5
By: LAT74 from WA, Australia on November 21, 2016 @ 11:39 am
Hi all, having recently only found this site (amongst others) I have read the majority of comments and found many with the same fears and anxieties I and my second family have! My story begins some years ago in the UK with my ex de-facto and I having a daughter, I was warned she liked getting pregnant early in the relationship (2 previous to 2 different fathers) and subsequently witnessed first hand how manipulating she was, glad I was on her side right? When it was my turn for the scrap heap she traded me in for her first daughter's (16 years old) 24 year old boyfriend, the 16 year old daughter and I were asked to find new places to live!! MY daughter was 3 years old and found herself without a Father. Access was simple, pay as you go....no payment she doesn't go! I had no parental responsibility, no home, no money (ex had conveniently 3 days before throwing me out emptied the joint accounts) As the days and weeks passed I was forced to pay half the mortgage, all the bills otherwise I didn't see her, if I turned up without money the door was slammed in my face with a screaming child the on the other side wanting to see her Daddy. Needless to say I spent about 10k (pounds) to get access, she still didn't let me see her, solicitors even said no judge will hold a mother in contempt and send her to jail as that is not in the best interests of the child!!!! During this I was arrested for her accusing me of sexually assaulting her 16 year old daughter....more court appearances, more crocodile tears, judge had no option but to deny me access as the assault case was ongoing! 2 years later I finally get supervised visits....the arresting officer rang the court to say "if it wasn't a waste of police resources my ex would be arrested and charged with wasting police time, this man deserves to see his daughter" I was of course cleared of any accusation and following supervised visits did I get to see her....of course not!! I finally decided to leave it all behind, if my daughter wanted to see me I would wait until she is 18, old enough to seek me out and tell the truth, I couldn't deal with the anguish and torture any more! I moved to Australia, have a new wife and 3 year old and my UK daughter is 14, I pay $1400 per month and she has made contact which is a great blessing. I cannot see her as she is to afraid to tell her mother and I cannot afford to fight it, or bring her over, the payments are destroying my 2nd family, I am paying them on a credit card. Despite my daughter being in the UK I am part of the Australian system, payments go up when turned 13, withhold childcare rebate if you don't get your tax return done, value my 3 year old less than my 14 year old!! I went missing on Saturday afternoon with a bottle of booze and a lonely beach presented itself, I was ready to walk in and end it all! If I moved back I would pay less even if I didn't see her, thankfully I didn't do it but the thoughts are there. The CSA last week told me when I asked them to justify "Why" teenage girls need more things like make up and toiletries, why does the UK government not take this into account lady CSA worker....?? She understands she says but unfortunately blah blah....I tell them, my child is too afraid to tell her mother she wants to see me, now knows I pay for her, CSA lady says "a child doesn't need to know you pay for her" I've written to the mother, see where that ends....thank you for reading
3
By: Rob Bed from Vic, Australia on November 21, 2016 @ 4:24 am
Watch out for the end of school dates, especially if you have multiple kids. My ex constantly put in an extra month to CSA, ring the school and find out the exact date school finishes, MAKE AN OBJECTION if the date is wrong.... and what was the punishment for HER lying? nothing... Female privilege by the Govt in this country has to stop.
8
1430. By: Kris from nsw, ZOG on November 20, 2016 @ 8:48 pm
Hi to all paying parents,
Dont ever talk to those fks at csa, if you do dont ever tell them anything especially your marital status. Do they tell you your exs marital status? Everything is privacy regarding her but not YOU. They are profiling you analyzing you and sooner or later will fk you.
And regarding not saying anything bad about your ex infront of your kids...
I don't buy that crap,
When the time is right ,the truth should not be hidden or diluted.
And in my case it probably wont matter anyway. With the amount of poison,isolation and lies my ex has fed my son he most likely wont even want to know me soon. But hey who am I but a sponsor.
Solicitors are disgusting maggots/rats dressed in suits to look more appealing.


5
By: Neil Bennett from NSW, Australia on November 20, 2016 @ 10:32 am
Laurie
CSA .....CANNOT.... take money from a spouses bank account unless they (CSA) PROVE in a court that that father has transfered that money to you and the court agrees and makes a judgement in their favourite. But be aware that if they are chasing your husband then they are looking into your finances in the background as well. My wife and I have had 20 years of this shit. My wife has a file with them and only found out through FOI. But there a ways around it. Husband owns a company....said company pays rent.to said wife...get creative people. Use the law as they use it against you. Don't fall for their bullying as that is all it is. The worst they can do is stop you leaving Australia...DPO. they CANNOT jail you for not paying child support
3
By: Oscar from SA, Australia on November 19, 2016 @ 7:45 pm
so - my case is almost at an end. Well, my child support is over as of 11 November, but our court action continues.
I objected to an assessment by the CSA, then objected to the decision made out of that, then appealed the decision of the AAT, and now we are going to the Federal Circuit Court. Submissions are lodged, and the hearing will be in December.

There is some hope that there may not be a hearing. If the CSA, on reading my submissions, agree that I have a point, then the matter can go back to the AAT without a hearing - this is what I am hopeful of, though not really that worried about a hearing as I believe I have a good case.

In any event, by early December I should have a pretty good idea of where I am at ... looking up
2
By: Laurie Mills (femaile) from Qld, Australia on November 19, 2016 @ 1:09 pm
Hello. I've read with concern that the CSA has the power to take money from the wife of a father, even though she's a step-mother and not biologically related to her husband/partner's child at all. Is this really true? Can the CSA force me to pay for my husband and his ex-wife's child (so she claims)?
Thanks
Laurie
2
By: John continues from SA, Australia on November 19, 2016 @ 2:59 am
In this day and age thats bollocksand when are ppl going to stop saying equality between men and women when there clearly is not. I have had to jump from job ro job for 5 years now and just undertaking an apprentiship this year. And as i dont make much they want my wifes money as she earns tripple what i do. This is astounding that they can even ask this!!! And when i am fully qualified i will be paying almost half my wage to a woman i house shared with 7 years ago that never said said she was pregnant and aparently is no longer living in Australia and if i want to get a test done i have to track her down at my cost as CSA will give me no information about her at all. Under privacy laws. Buy yet will tell her everything about me how much i earn ect. FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD CSA IS AN ILLEGA BODY THAT I WILL REMAIN TO NOT ECKNOLEGE so unless i can get a PI to track her down me and my wife have another 11 years min of paying for a child that is not mine. Nore that i wanted nore that i was her partner nore that we even lived together for what CSA States is the required 12 month defacto period for claims to be made. Thier whole claim agenst me is a lie fraud and i cant wait to get my day in court to see what fabricated evidence they can provide! As one time i called them they changed from they have nothing to my name was on the birth certificate. Now im pretty sure i was not there so how did that happen? As im sure i would have to sign something?? Any ideas pepole?
6
By: John from SA, Australia on November 19, 2016 @ 2:58 am
I have found your comments interesting. Basically i have not agreed with CSA from Day one and continually state that they are illegally stealing money from me with out my authority or any proof of parentage.
My story is a long one. Lived with a girl for 9 months had sex a few times left as she was crazy. 3 years later i find my tax return was stolen by CSA i call to find out that a claim has been made and that no proof was ever gave. According to the CSA she made a phone call. I have requested all documents to be gave to me they refuse as they have none!! I asked how can this happen without my authority they said they sent me letters and i did not respond. Now heres the thing. She makes a phonecall gives no proof to me being father just her say so then gives her own address at the time as my address. Now this should be the first red flag! she claims i ran off but yet my address is the same as hers?? WTF. So now 6 years on i still refuse to pay and each year they take my tax return. They also have been trying to get my wifes information as they said they have the power to take her money. Now few things 1. I moved out after 9 months she was pregnant after this date. This is the only time i responded to CSA they asked for proof that i was not living with her i showed i was not and gave the docs proving this. That the dates could not match up they replied saying. Basically get f#cked we are CSA a law of our own and even tho you have proof we do not agree and even tho she has gave no proof we are still going to rob you. Finally after 5 yers of me and my wife struggling to get our own home and have our own child we can almost afford to start court process to get tests done. When the paternity proof says i am not the father aparently the CSA have done nothing wrong and the thousands of dollers illegally STOLEN from me they do not have to pay me back!!! WTFFF!!! I will then need to take the crazy bitch to claims court to force her to pay me back. At which my lawyer has informed me she can pay 10cents a week for the next few 100 years. The whole system is fraudulent and needs to be reassesed and changed ASAP. Ppl rattle on about equality. How about if 2 ppl are together or even just a one night stand one wants a child the other does not why is it the womans right to make that choice if the guy does not want a child then their should be a document that states the father has no wrights to the child but also does not have to pay. As the woman takes full responsibility. It should be both parents decision to have a kid. As if a woman does not want a child she can just get an abortion. Again with the man having no rights or say to stop her.
2
By: james from vic, ozz on November 16, 2016 @ 7:57 pm
i would say trust comes from honour and over time DJ.. have agents at CSA acted honourably and respectfully toward you and any mutual agreement you have in place? I think many would say CSA as with other corporations can be extremely deceptive and unconscionable... taking money out of a mans bank account whebever they like without caring what the man has to live on maybe just one example!! trust yourself i say and not private agencies whose job is debt collecting sucking men dry by hook or crook.. just my opinion of course
1
By: DJ from WA, Aust on November 16, 2016 @ 6:28 pm
Just received a call from CSA replying to my comments about them being unjust and corrupt. Very nice lady told me that they would do everything they could to reduce my debt...... I've heard all this before...... Do I trust them this time?
2
By: Jen from Qld, Australia on November 15, 2016 @ 8:50 am
Feeling frustrated.... So ex warned 20k previous financial year suddenly earns this yr 73k no adjustments to sudden 50k difference. We only have 4mths left till 18 just keep going forward all this BS is almost over finally. Any one want any money CSA just love to give it away?
10
By: DM from WA, Australia on November 11, 2016 @ 9:06 pm
So sad to read all the stories here. Dads are really alienated from everything when marriages end. In my case the wife cheated and won everything and the kids still feel the need to keep mum happy. She still controls me and everything the kids do. Paying $400 a week for the next 5 1/2 years. I have supported that lady for 17 years in marriage, 5 years since marriage and anothe 5 1/2 in front of me.
It is a fact that dads will be treated with utter disregard and disrespect when divorced. Try calling anywhere as a dad worried about the welfare of your children. Get used to being treated like you have just commited the worst crime, that you are not an equal parent, that you do not matter. Oh but stay poor and keep handing over the money.
2 choices.....sit in the corner, grab your knees and rock back and forth.
or
See the situation for what it is. Ride it out. Enjoy the time we have with our kids. Celebrate like hell when the ex no longer has any control over you. Do all you can to ensure your kids reach adulthood being the least affected possible . Show your kids love.....never bag your ex in front of them or in earshot.......take care of yourselves, your health and mental health, build freindships and move on.
Good luck to all
3
1420. By: AJ from W.A, Australia on November 11, 2016 @ 4:00 pm
Hi community,

I would like to get some opinions if possible please; I have just got off of the phone with CSA.

As I explained to them, part of the reason I am in arrears, is that my child access has been minimal. But this has been through the following actions by my ex wife.

1. She cut off the mobiles that I had purchased my daughters.

2. She moved home in Perth without telling me, or leaving a forwarding address. By chance, her neighbour told me.

3. She has to move to Mt Tom Price and work there for three years, because she pissed off so many people in the Education Department in Perth. Obviously, I could not afford $800 per fortnight to fly up there and see my kids.

4. She returned to Perth about a year ago, I only found this out because of her Facebook profile.

How do you think the Family Court would see this?

Thanks,

AJ.
5
By: Bb from Wa, Australia on November 11, 2016 @ 2:04 pm
High all my story is the same as most of you I'm getting screwed by csa
I have always paid my Cs and about 2 years ago my daughter told me she never wants to see me again. So as fathers do I seek mediation , ex refuses to go 2 years later I'm here right now at family law courts waiting the outcome of a child inclusive mediation session.
So 2 years ago my ex gets the shits because I fight to get access to daughter, she submits a change of assessment which invokes a investigation in to my financials and the csa in their wisdom put my Cs up 4 fold
Even withstanding I have 4 other children to my wife now 3, 5 and 8
I am booked to go overseas in 2 weeks with my family, but the csa has informed me the have placed a departure ban on my passport, I now have to explain to my family I can't go on holidays with them.
My objection to the change of assessment was lodged over two months ago via a lawyer and csa claim they don't have it and I now need to apply for a time extension for them to proceed.
I think I'm about to loose my family because of this my wife is more stressed than I am
The truth is out there but csa don't like facts they are bullies

2
By: robin from New South Wales, Australia on November 11, 2016 @ 12:47 pm
oscar
My partner spend 10 yrs trying to find his son
3 yrs ago he found him and went straight to family court to get access his ex didnt show for 6 court cases so the judge put out a breach she turned up to the last 1. Judge told her to her face women like you make my job hard now have 1 more court case to set throu next yr to see if he can see his kid. Court does work so try that. Judge had csa drop his payments down from 805 a month ( my partner payed every month since kid was born )kids now 15 to just under 200 a month to show he has other kids to support as it doent take 805 a month to raise a child a court order is the only way csa will drop payments as they wont believe a thing you say. is going to court worth it in the end yes it is their your kids fight anyway you have to just so you can see them goes for everyone out there

8
By: Erin from NSW, Australia on November 11, 2016 @ 8:54 am
Hi Shell - I have been writing to MPs for at least 10 years now. They really don't care. I've written to Ministers as well. I get the same crappy form letter back about how my husband has an obligation to his children, blah blah blah. I have highlighted how unfair the system is to second families. It really is. If it were in the best interests of the children, our subsequent children would be treated equally and fairly. But as far as the CSA/politicians are concerned, as long as the first wife and her kids get their money, they don't give a shit if there's nothing left for the other family to live on. I've been saying for years that second families are second class citizens in their own country.
5
By: Rob Bed from Vic, Aust on November 11, 2016 @ 4:26 am
I'm on my way out of CS. To the younger guys out there don't put up with the BS, fight them. Its actually questionable if CS is constitutionally valid. It states "child endowment" and does not specify that fathers must pay it. I know most of you guys want to help out but that doesn't mean the state has control over you and does not mean you have to concede to the demands. Weigh it up, if you believe you are being ripped then have your say. Hang in there.
 
By: Rob Bed from Vic, Aust on November 11, 2016 @ 4:04 am
am i blocked? i posted twice and it didn't appear
5
By: Oscar from SA, australia on November 11, 2016 @ 2:03 am
Just a quick comment - I see many of you talking about "I pay $10,000 a year" I cant afford to take her to court.

I have paid almost $30,000 per year for the last 4 years .. yes, that is per year. making a change of assessment application costs nothing, objecting to it costs nothing, going to the administrative appeals tribunal costs nothing, and so far, going to the Federal Circuit Court has cost me nothing ....

If you think you have a case - TAKE HER ON ....
5
By: jaye from Qld, Australia on November 11, 2016 @ 12:02 am
Hi all I have been paying child support for 11 years for 3 children that my ex ran away with, she made it very hard for me to get access to see them I got very depressed, I got married and made another family and my wife has limited income, so basically I have been paying for 2 family's, I have always tried to pay my fair share but the fair share is way to much, I tried to better my self and get qualified and work longer hours and child support just comes in and takes more , I just done 2 years of tax returns and my ex will get them 11k, I have been paying 44k out of my net the last 4 years, the system is rorted I pay 40 percent tax then I pay 30 percent to her, I nearly had a break down but I am going to hold my head high for my family, she the ex constantly try's to get every last cent she can even threaten me that I will be paying until they are 25, she has mental issues, I can't afford t fight her in court when my incomes high, so I have decided to go on the dole and pay 34$ a month and get some legal aid to get some visitation rights, I want to be given the chance to show my kids the love I feel and the chance to right the wrongs of my past, I can see why the system fails men in this country and why suicide is very high, we need to all get together and fight for a change to make it fair for us and the kids.
3
By: Oscar from SA, Australia on November 10, 2016 @ 9:17 pm
thanks AJ

I was just surprised that there was no-one on here going through the court processes that was willing to discuss .. I know that once I have been through mine (in December) I'd be more than willing to give any guidance to things I learnt / observed ..
1
By: AJ from NSW, Aust on November 10, 2016 @ 9:04 pm
HI Oscar
Try the Mens Peer Support Forum at www.mensline.org.au - they give really practical advice and try to guide you based on their own crapy experiecnes with CSA and Family Law experiences.
Good luck.
4
1410. By: Oscar from SA, Australia on November 10, 2016 @ 7:29 pm
I come on here looking for advice, and I must say I am disappointed at the lack of it. there is a lot of bitter talk, and I get that because I have been through it - but thankfully for me it ends soon.

But, I have asked so many times for thoughts / guidance from those going through the change of assessment processes (through the AAT and FCC) - so my only guess is that no-one is going through that process.

If no-one is going through that process, then nothing will change in your circumstances - you have to take a step to start the journey. It has been hard, I lodged mine in Jan 2015, objected twice, went through the AAT, and appealed that to the Federal Circuit Court. in December I will have a hearing ....

if you want change, you have to start "something" else no-one will know it is broken ....
3
By: AJ from W.A, Australia on November 10, 2016 @ 2:28 pm
DJ,

I feel your pain, really. Their system is very unfair, that has left me in debt, case in point for me:

My ex works as a teacher, she was thrown out of 2 schools in Perth for interfering in other teacher classes. Dept of education gave her a choice; go to a country school, or lose your job.

So, she went up to Tom Price for 4 years, and took my kids with her. Because she was far away, CSA attitude was I could not be bothered to see my kids. How about the $800 air fare costs? And that is why my debt has been back dated.

This is a really fucked up process. They should look at the people as well.

Ex is a true psycho.
6
By: DJ from WA, Australia on November 10, 2016 @ 12:57 pm
the debt csa say I have is unfair.
1. It was accumulated over a period while I was unemployed and for a lot of that time with no income at all.
2. The debt is not to my children or my ex, it is to an unfair corrupt department in the CSA that takes money off vulnerable fathers that have been stripped of their families who are depressed and then with the further burden of being put into debt by unfair late fees are on the brink of suicide.
I gave my ex all of our assets at the time of our split so my children wouldn't suffer and so they had a roof over their heads, but for some reason that doesn't count for anything. I give my children all I can afford and now pay for half the school fees and other bills direct.
By taking money from my pay this stops me from being able to live a happy life enjoying being with my children.
I am being slugged $$$$ out of my pay this week. That's the money I would have used to feed my kids next week when they are with me. That's less money I can spend on my children's Christmas presents. That part of the money I could be spending on school fees and I have to live as well, pay rent, run a car, eat, stay healthy and I do this all for my children and they still take money from me.
The system is unfair
CSA is unfair.
I contribute to my children and I'm there for them, so why does CSA make it harder for me to do this than it already is.
1
By: Shell from Vic, Australia on November 9, 2016 @ 7:32 pm
Hey Erin
I'm in exactly the same situation. It's so hard to sit back and watch them go through this emotional hell and what csa and politicians don't realise is the strain this puts on your relationship.
Start writing to MPs etc and tell them from a wife's point a view the more of us that do it the better.
Hang in there and just pray WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND!!
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By: Erin from NSW, Australia on November 9, 2016 @ 3:51 pm
Ross - the CSA CANNOT take money from a joint bank account. If they have, they have acted illegally and you should complain to the Commonwealth Ombudsman immediately.

The information is here:

http://guides.dss.gov.au/child-support-guide/5/2/9#Jointbankaccounts

"A notice under section 72A cannot be effective against a joint bank account because it is not possible to identify any portion as belonging solely to one owner (DFC of T v Westpac Savings Bank Ltd 87 ATC 4346)."


You have my sympathies, and I am really angry for you and your new partner. I am the wife of a man who has been to hell and back for the last 13 years with the Child Support Agency while his lazy sow of an ex wife has sat on her arse doing nothing, and we work ourselves to death to pay for her lifestyle.
1
By: Dee from Western Australia , Australia on November 9, 2016 @ 12:40 pm
Does anyone know anything about an adelaide based company "mychildsupport.com.au"
2
By: Ross Cosgrave from WA, Australia on November 9, 2016 @ 11:17 am
Hey guys,
I have spoken to the CSA about her cash jobs but they want me to prove it, which is quiet difficult, being in a different country. I just feel that my assessment should be based on the cost of living in the country that the child is living in, Ireland. The maximum i would have to pay a week there is 150 Euro, and that is if i was earning a huge salary, which as an electrician, i would not be. On average over here i have paid $1100 a month for the last 4 years which is crippling me and my family. We are living on the other side of the world without any support network from our families so you tend to rely on your financies a bit more.
By the way, someone said, have a joint bank account, i do and a joint savings account with my partner and only last week, these cockroaches went into it and took out $3500 without even telling me. I could not believe what had happened, my bank said it was a court order and they could not stop it from happening. This has sent me over the edge and made me realise my time in this country might be really coming to an end. I have never felt more violated in my life. They just totally ignored the $11000 credit card dept that i have, funded my trip home recently, and saw my savings, our safety net, a couple of grand, and figured out that i should service this debt that i had. This was on top a her receiving all my tax return, $6000, in August, and also, what i have paid her every month over the year. It makes me so angry!!
4
By: MackyD from Victoria, Australia on November 8, 2016 @ 10:17 am
Hi. I had a CSA debt after I was overseas for many years the CSA couldnt contact me and I didnt know they were trying to contact me in the end I found out I had a $40,000 debt. When I got back to Australia I finalised my divorce and in the agreement my ex was asked to reduce my debt to ZERO so that we could agree on the final % split.

I hadnt worked since I was back in Australia then CSA started to automatically take from centrelink payments. After I stopped centrelink I lived with my girl friend and she supported me. I think CSA asked ATO to force me to do tax after I finished with centrelink so I did a zero tax return (some income few hundred dollars from bank interest was my income). So after I did my tax returns all close to zero or around $300 to $2000 interest from divorce settled savings. Now that my savings have been depleted to approx $5000 the CSA said I owe $100 a month but I couldnt pay it as I was being supported by GF and Family, I told CSA I had no job they said to go on newstart and I said I dont want to as I am being supported. So if they can see my bank depleting slowly they can see I have no job but they still insist I have income from somewhere. They asked if my GF can pay it, I said its not her responsibility and not my place to ask money off my GF. I have no contact with my child as the mother said she doesnt want to see me. Now they forcibly took money from my bank approx 1 years worth $1200 to 1300.

I have borrowed money to my gf by bank transfer and she has paid me back several times so I am wondering if CSA think that I was getting income from her? even though I borrowed her $4000 in total last year.

I am confused what to do. Any idea what to do? review my case? but whats the use if they have already decided!?? Anyone had luck with Ombudsman?
3
By: robin from New South Wales, Australia on November 8, 2016 @ 8:33 am
Family Law states that all children must be supported by both parents regardless if parents are together/remarry/have other kids with someone else/same sex whatever the case is. Its unfair that 1 child based on the other parents income is worth more. My partner pays $805 a month for a 15yr old ( as he works ) whereas my 2 kids ( 15 and 8 ) are worth $1.67 a day thats 0.835 cents each cause their dad owns his own business and as csa say he has no income and doesnt work BUT hears the big thing whenever my ex has the kids 5 days every 3 months I get the bill of $1500 as he supports them during that time last time he had them he had to fly interstate on business as he told CSA and hired a nanny to watch them for the week. When I blow up at CSA about him working they told me my word against his.He even told CSA he had to work but still CSA said he doesnt have a job WTF. Im still fighting the case as he wants his money now Im waiting on the next bill as the ex has 5 days at christmas that should come in January
2
By: Perth Pome from WA, Au$tralia on November 8, 2016 @ 12:20 am
Hi AJ... No mail, they informed me whilst having one of our pleasant phone conversations. I wouldn't let them know about your holiday plans as I think they use this procedure as leverage to extract monies. You can always apply for a DAC or I believe you can also give them bond money and have it returned when you get back from holiday should you be placed on the no fly list. A bit like being released on bail mate.
2
1400. By: AJ from W.A, OZ on November 7, 2016 @ 4:44 pm
Perth Pome;

When they did that to you, did you receive any paperwork from CSA, or did you try to go on holiday and get stopped at the airport?

I am going to try to pay like a good boy, but in March I am going to want and NEED this holiday to see my daughter. I need an escape from the grind of working seven days a week for shit pay.
3
By: Perth Pome from WA, Au$tralia on November 7, 2016 @ 1:20 pm
Worse than alimony Rob. Alimony is removed with marriage or even de-facto relashonship I believe? My ex re-married within 18months, we have 1 child each 100% of the time and they want me to pay $10'000 a year??? In the UK no money changes hands with joint care, America changes policy's as situations change, Australia-Hold onto your hat we are go a f*ck you from any direction! I often wonder if I got issued the DPO to stop me returning home with my son living within a fairer UK legislation.
3
By: Rob from Vic, Aust on November 7, 2016 @ 2:27 am
The formula is broken.. I've compared assessments with another persons and their cost of a child, exactly the same age, per year was half mine. Why? because the incomes were different. Why should one child cost less than the other? Its not child support, there is an inbuilt alimony. Its all BS.
4
By: Perth Pome from WA, Australia on November 6, 2016 @ 9:38 pm
They hand those DPO's out like confetti.. My debt was about $1500 because I hadn't realised they were now assessing me on an old income 4 years prior and capacity to earn in the boom. At this same time my son ran away to live with me, I couldn't afford to pay with setting up a new home with him and they refused to accept he had without proof. When they accepted the truth 6 weeks later I get a DPO and have been a prisoner here since early 2014! 2 years on we have 1 child each (shared care) and they are still assessing me on a fixed annual rate?
6
By: Bill Walker from Sa, Aust on November 6, 2016 @ 8:33 pm
Yep paul and gary all FRAUD and NO contract. People pay based on FEAR being the first hurdle one must overcome.
5
By: gary from qld, au on November 6, 2016 @ 7:06 pm
simple just stop paying
7
By: paul from qld, au on November 6, 2016 @ 7:05 pm
if every paying person stopped paying the system would collapse what better way to raise eyebrows in parliament
6
By: Ramon from NT, Australia on November 6, 2016 @ 3:04 am
When I question why the teenager I have in my care only gets $35 a month(Which he doesnt actually get BTW) and the 6 year old my ex has in her care I pay over $200. I'm told thats how the formula works. Well the formula is broken. In both cases the income is worked out on my earnings as they are on pensions. The fact i am the only one going to work to make life better for our children and that money is negated by taking it away with little regard for my family is astonishing. I feel my life is not my own anymore.
9
By: Tim from QLD, Australia on November 5, 2016 @ 8:01 pm
Rot in hell CSA.
5
By: Shell from Vic, Australia on November 5, 2016 @ 7:31 pm
DM
I totally agree with all you say. I'm a woman and between those I have worked with listened to around school etc the majority of them are after money only. They are conniving, wicked women but our government rewards them for it. We got a restraining order on my husbands exwife so in return she stopped the kids from coming and gets rewarded with extra with extra money. She waited for an inheritance to come then left him after having an affair for 12months.
They plan everything then rip off the system.
I agree with you that the bitches at csa are on a power drive I would watch my husband get off the phone in tears.
Change your phone number don't give it to them
Good Luck all you men!,
4
1390. By: AJ from W.A, Oz on November 5, 2016 @ 7:12 pm
Jimmy,

Thanks for the heads up. Even though I was verbally warned about the travel blocking, I do not think that the sum that I owe them would warrant this. After all, it is only 3k when all of their ridiculous penalties are removed.

My eldest is 17 now, the younger one 16, so not so long to go. I have only just started work again, and this week CSA gave me a revised estimate of $320 per month. In regards to the verbal threat, I get a feeling that these lesbo's who work in their call center get off on a little power trip.

The one, single time in all these years that my payment was worked out correctly, it was done by a man.....LMAO.
10
By: DM from WA, Australia on November 5, 2016 @ 8:59 am
The system is seriously flawed. When a couple divorces then all assetts should be split 50/50, no child support paid, 50/50 living arrangements for the kids unless the kids decide otherwise. It should be up to each parent to support themselves financially.
I cannot see this draconian system ever changing. Unfortunatley it feeds the greedy ex-wives who planned this for a long time before ending the marriage and did their sums and worked out it is a win win for them. This system almost encourages divorce by making it so financially rewarding for the women.
I earn exceptionally good money now however after the massive amount of tax comes out then then $400 a week child support it brings me down to a quite pathetic wage for the highly stressed position I hold with very long hours. This brings her income up considerably from the measley wage she earns for herself because she has never applied herself to better to actually earn more. So with her wage from her very easy short hours job plus child support, plus family payment , plus scamming money off charities claiming to be poor she now exceeds my income.
The thing is she was left with the house, contents, car, money, everything and I walked away with the shirt on my back. I have furniture in my rental that I had to pick up from the street verge that other people were throwing out.
So my kids when with mum get to do things and have fun experiences that I essentially pay for. When with me it is a struggle financially, I cannot provide those experiences. If I had all the money I provide for child support we would live like kings.
I for not one minute begruge paying for my children. What I do object to is raising the living standard of a lazy ex that could not work to do it herself. But then constantly tells the kids that she is doing it tough and and dad never pays for things etc, etc.
I started work at 15 years old, I work hard and am proud every cent I have I have earned. I am now quite old with nothing and by the time I can save again when my child support ends I will be an old man.
The system will never change as no one cares, similar to the VRO system where practically every divorced dad I know have had a VRO slapped on them. This is advised to the women by legal aid to protect the house and keep the dad from taking anything plus to gain leverage in family court and of course to kick him while he is down.
All the time the government have this system which is essentially a lotto win for the women, it encourages the scum bags of this world to split and take the easy way.
To all the decent women out there that do not follow the greedy path, to women that work hard for their own money, to women that do not poison their children with lies, to women that actually have some morals, ethics and standards, well done and all respect to you.
4
By: Jimmy from QLD, Australia on November 4, 2016 @ 9:57 pm
AJ,
Don't take the DPO lightly, as they do it and I know first hand. I was on a trip abroad leaving from the GC via Sydney on route to Dubai. I got as far as Sydney were the AFD stopped me and would not allow me to travel due to CSA debt. I had to pay 28K which I got a loan for and travelled 3 days later. And I have never been back in Australia since. This was 3 years ago, so in all that time I have not seen my kids. The CSA is so rot as well as the AAT which believe me again is a waste of time. Although I am not working and have not been in a few years the CSA has fixed my payment amount at $3200 per month. So now I owe a further 60K. So will I ever see my kids again. I dont think so. The country is just Fd.