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 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next>1,878 - 1,829 Comments +Add Yours Over 911,312 viewsSearch CSA Forum
1
By: Leeroy Nuner from Victoria, Australia on October 10, 2019 @ 4:45 pm
Hi,so glad there's a Group for this.
I've been paying CS for 4 years ,the last year I have had full care of my children 100% court ordered and all. But with a click of the mother on the CS mygov she can change the % rate still. So 14 days if you haven't replied to the change (court order) the % back ,stiff too bad so I have a $11,000 debt. And because I haven't done my tax they go off your last tax return.
So many hours on the phone ,so much extra burden for years . 95% of the people you speak to don't seem interested. God forbid if you get frustrated with them ffs.

 
By: Adam V from NSW, Australia on October 10, 2019 @ 12:12 pm
Hi gents
I'm new to this forum and hope someone can help or point me in the right direction, I'll try to keep it brief.
Recently separated with baby now 2 months old, ex is going through child support and we are trying to determine percentage in carer. Child support people say I have to provide proof of my son in my care 100% part of the time. Furthermore, the ex objects to me taking him to my place on some occasions hence reducing the time 100% in my care. Any suggestions how I resolve these problems amicably?
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By: sami abdal from nsw, Australia on September 9, 2019 @ 7:34 pm
hi Greig
we all going throw this and no one will listen and no one will change any thin.
I am not sure what is the point of all of us posting on this place.
its just make you more frustrated.
and if you go and fuck the government and family court you will be called crazy.
but what the doing to every one its normal.
cant tell any more what is right and what is wrong mate
sorry for all working mums and dads that the have to pay there hard earning to there x partners and there in no chance in hell
that what you pay its getting spend on your child every one know about it but the will not change this broken system .
because Australian government build on Froud so this is very normal for them.

2
By: Craig Clitheroe from Western Australia, Australia on September 9, 2019 @ 12:49 pm
My son (17.5 years old) came and lived with me for nearly a year as he was a bit lost in his future, I got him an mechanical apprenticeship signed contract earning $475 a week gave him 2k towards a car, he then decided to move back with his mum.
His mum is going for child support, he works and earns significant income, applied for change to assessment under Reason 4 which will take 90 days but CSA are already taking full money out, I'm paying spousal support not child support as my son supporting himself...I've been to my member of parliament - dont know what else to do, I'm classed as a A grade client with CSA for over the last 15 years which accounts for nothing...ive submitted all documents and its been ongoing since 27th July...unfair and unjust and Im paying for her Bali trip at Christmas...Mental Health hey!!
2
By: Leesa from WA, Australia on August 29, 2019 @ 12:59 am
I received a phone call from CS support today informing me I apparently have a debt of $1,800 owing to the paying parent of my CS case. It's the 28th of August 2019, and to be honest; the statement I owe them left me a little dumb founded and stunned. 3 weeks ago on the 6th of August I received a letter from CS saying the paying parent actually owed me $3,500 after reconciliation adjustment. I also received $2,400 into my financial institution on the 14th of August. So how did I acquire a debt of $1,800 in just two weeks???

The hardest part of this to swallow is HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? Surely the system would be electronic in most input (and at least with actual income confirmation with the ATO). All they could, or would tell me, was 'its a keying in error'.

Now again; I'm a little lost and bewildered to how in 3 weeks I can go from receiving, to now paying! The only advise they would give me was to fill out a objection form. And to be honest I'm not quiet sure what I'm objecting? That a keying error occurred? That I have several other pieces of documentation that say otherwise?

I will suffer a financial loss at the cost of CS due to this. I lodged my tax return late (2 years worth) for the 16/17 and 17/18 financial years in November 18. My provisional income was bassed on $61,00 yet my actual income those years was $26,000. I lodged late; I accept the loss of over $7,000 (however if my income was higher I would have incurred a debt! How unfair is this system). And to now again; be handed another loss means I am going to be bear near $8,500 loss over 3 years.

I have been separated from my ex husband for over 6 years. On initial separation I was paying him over 4 times the amount I am even receiving from him now. Yes I changed jobs (I could not sustain my job and be a full-time parent; note neither could he! But he found / or was fortunate enough to find a woman who cares for his kids ECT while he works). I won't appologise for not wanting to shack up with a guy who wants to stay home and play 'daddy' to my kids and not work.

If CS actually takes a true reading and reflection of incomes for the past 3 years; I would be owed a great deal more than the $3,500 they stated on the 6th of August. The system is not fair, in fact; it's the only Australian system that penalises you for over estimating! Even Centerlink and Family tax advise you to over estimate than under estimate to lessen the likelihood of incurring a debt.
7
By: Damian from Northern Territory, Australia on August 28, 2019 @ 6:01 am
I am not against paying child support but...

They're thieves! They're thieves! They're filthy little thieves!

Last year my employment circumstances changed, going from full time to part time. I was earning a relatively decent wage then down to $800 a fortnight. I contacted CSA (thieves!) and explained my circumstances. The amount payable was reduced. When I was earning a steady average wage again I did the right thing and contacted CSA (thieves!) to change my circumstances. They back dated payments and that put me in arrears. I was told that if my income lowered again to contact again, but that WON'T be back dated.

Come new financial year I receive correspondence that I have under estimated income and now owe close to $5000 and cop a "fine" of $450 on top of money owed. The assessment they did didn't include my circumstances. Prior to earning way less than the average wage I was on above average wage.
When contacting them to discuss (via phone) I was told pretty much "too bad, so sad, pay they money". I was given one month to come up with $5000. I couldn't pay so I tried to organise some sort of payment plan (via phone). I made an offer and was told it was not good enough, the amount extra I have to pay is not what I can pay but what THEY say I have to pay. I was then told to use all my credit cards (which I don't have), use all savings if any and consider selling assets, such as my car. Fortnightly payments already were $556, they demanded another $491 on top of that. I said I could not pay that, I would have to get a second job to barely pay my bills and not including groceries (left with $340 for bills and living expenses for the fortnight) and I would have to get a second job to make ends meet which will sting me later down the track when they demand more money for more income, which I wouldn't need in the first place! I was told if I didn't pay the extra they would garnish my wages, take money from my account and seize all assets.

Then was told that they're only interest is trying to help me...

Ill say that again, I was told that they're ONLY INTEREST IS TRYING TO HELP ME...

They had already took all of my tax return which I was planning on using for a holiday with my kids.

The real kicker is that prior to this my kids mother wasn't receiving in full what I was paying at the time. She showed me her bank statement as proof. She was only receiving 10% of what I was paying. I had to contact them and demand to know what's going on, since it's MY money which is for MY kids which THEY demand I pay. They would not provide an answer to me. I am yet to see how much of $1048 she actually gets.

Now I work two jobs, accumulating extra income which will increase payments on the next income assessment and I do not get to see my kids due to working 7 days a week.
8
By: kardason from NSW, Australia on August 26, 2019 @ 4:10 pm
This CSA is a joke!! My EX took my son away 8 hours away and went to court and got full custody. “Apparently the travel is to much for 6 year old” so basically I don’t see my boy and paying 250 a week in child support. I believe dads need to stick together and make a Facebook group!! Shit won’t change if we contribute bitching! More males die every year (suicide) the cause, families breaking up, not been able to see their kids!
6
By: Phil Phee-az from WA, Australia on August 17, 2019 @ 6:04 am
Posted on here in February so this is an update - You could say I had a WIN as far as the CSA is concerned. Just to recap briefly, paying CS for teenage child for 16 months, who was also collecting independent payments from Centrelink at the same time. How can this happen when these two departments are supposed to share info??? Well they clearly don't talk to each other and it took 8 months and two objections before the CSA discovered the Payee's sea of lies and deceit - surprise!!
My advice as a result is this:
* CSA will always believe the Payee over the Payer.
* CSA workers are not all qualified to answer questions, nor do they understand their own rules/regs. Learn them!
* You will probably never speak to the same CSA worker twice, so save all your questions/comments for the Objections Officer.
* Avoid verbal communications if you can - put it all in writing/email it.
* The CSA will withhold information from you - you will discover just how much when you receive the formal decision.
* Be specific about what you believe is happening! Provide lots of information/evidence to back up what you say.
* Persevere - they will try to wear you down.
* Finally, and most important - write everything down - keep a record - you will need it.


2
1870. By: Allan from WA, Australia on August 16, 2019 @ 5:43 pm
This is a must watch about how child support payments are calculated (and I'm sure it is the same for most countries, including Australia), which by the way, is flawed!
Bingo! There is a profit to being a custodial parent!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=196XCAXfqrI&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR39EHObOXruJEfcIFj4pYIf4AEd6d6G52V6P_seTO6FM_NsoEC3ZyLm6tY
1
By: Jo klaasen from South Australian, Australia on July 17, 2019 @ 1:36 am
I have just spent the last 6mths on benifits due to a critical life change- WORST EMOTIONAL IMPACT.... Why?
I have a 16 and 15yr old who have no contact with dad since he just stopped coming.. 1st stage of roller coaster I can't answer their questions of why.. That hurts as a parent.. then 1nd I apply for Centrelink ever at 39yrs old- CSA need assessment of child support done.. OK good luck getting blood from a stone
3rd... Knowing I will never see a cent I lost 200 per fortnight from payment because I'm meant to get that from Him... the kick in the guts again not our fault a single mum 2 grown kids living on my payment of 211 per fortnight he is now thousands in arreas.. Yet both sole parent carers feel it every day and we still loose either way. Needs to change simple
7
By: Adrian from NSW, Australia on July 12, 2019 @ 12:17 pm
I recently had a case finish in January this year, low and behold I had calculated the income estimate for the 7 months of the year and they accepted it, now I have done my tax for 2018-19 I have been hit with a debt due to the fact that I have earnt so much more than my estimate, I asked if I could object as the calculation is wrong and CSA have said no. I really dont know why I need to pay for the full years income for the 7 months, talk about being unfair. Also I have recently found out that the other partent has been running a business since 2013 and has not lodged their tax returns, when she does now its up to me to chase her for the money, this current system is so unfair
9
By: Chris Meyers from Nsw, Australia on July 6, 2019 @ 12:56 pm
Dont bother fighting it....
Your kids will be alienated against you
The female will play games and manipulate everyone to make you the bad guy
The only option is to walk away or end your life....
5
By: John from Western Australia, Laos on July 5, 2019 @ 3:09 pm
I am FREE from these thieves and all the mental torture that has been inflicted over the past nine years. Just thought I would share a good news story for a change. Well, to be honest, it's not good. None of the now adult three children want anything to do with their dad (perental alienation syndrome) - another stolen generation. Mum, has played the victim very well and the FLC and CSA have got behind her big time. I've paid out just under 100K to the CSA over this period. So effectively I've lost a decade of income through CSA and 25 years of my life through being married. Oh, I left the country in 2015 too. Othrwise I would be dead by now. Thank you and good luck with these inhumane souless cock cutters. John
4
By: Nathan from NSW, Really on July 4, 2019 @ 10:36 pm
I am accumulating a bill because these CSA pigs, decided to ignore my reassessment request back in May. I called today, they got it, and couldn’t tell me why they didn’t act... unreal... pigs
3
By: Mike from Wa, Australia on July 4, 2019 @ 7:25 pm
I have arrears for over a long period of time potentially owing due to legal battles with ex and I couldn’t pay full amount - so how far back can the CSA maggots go with arrears - is it the full 2 years or only 9 months - help me please asap as I need to know and how to approach CSA re the debt
2
By: dad from WA, Australia on July 4, 2019 @ 6:09 pm
Quick question.
Ex applied for over 18 CS extension for education until October 30. My son is only a General Studies student who does not do exams. His last school day of classes is Sept 27. His Graduation day is Oct 24.
Can I object to this for this reason?
It will save me a grand if successful.
I was on hold with a call to CSA for 69 minutes to ask this question. When she picked up she said she couldn't hear me and hung up. Haha.
3
By: Tom from new, australia on July 2, 2019 @ 10:39 am
Yes they have blood on their hands! The fallout from this cruel and inhumane paradigm will be exponentially greater that that of the Stolen Generation. I missed out on my son's best years of his youth and now I live in a tent in my sister's backyard solely because of the CSA and the evil separation industry. Bring on a global environmental disaster because only then will this sorry tale end!
12
By: Adina zuker from Victoria, Australia on June 26, 2019 @ 9:01 pm
I am writing from the perspective of a mother. My son is newly divorced and has experienced the worst year of his life. His malicious, lying ,vindictive ex has destroyed him financially, emotionally. There are no words to describe this mo stet. To boot her mother constantly adds fuel to the fire and is a true narcissistic bitch. He has fought tooth and nail to see his 15 month old son and manages to have him for five hours a week!!! Child support now added to the pot of bullshit asking him to pay a total of $4400 a month which Incudes $13,000 in arrears. like you all comment CSA are ruthless, cruel and are facilitating domestic violence and mental heAlth issues in men. They have blood on their hands. Guys you must get up and fight. Get a group together and storm parliment get on radio talk back and tv shows to air your grievances. Nothing will change if you don’t fight. You are all suffering with stress and misery and child support has to be made accountable and devise a fairer system. Women can be just as vicious and cruel as men and the law needs to learn more about how clever women can be at playing the victim. pLEASE get up a fight for your rights.
3
1860. By: Jo from Qld, Australia on June 25, 2019 @ 1:51 pm
No child should live in poverty! CS has successfully put myself and my children into the poverty downward spiral. I’m the main caret 9/5 and the higher earner So I’m expected to pay an amount I cannot afford. They continue to hound me. My children have been hurt by the whole process I have tried to get a COA even after providing proof they still said Not proven! My kids are sick of all the BS and walked I informed them of the change of care with proof. Again no I now have to support both teenagers and pay the X money, for an interim period up to 52 weeks!This department successfully destroyed a working child care arrangement. They failed to properly look at the facts acted on on false information, request I prove the lies. I’m now really struggling. The children’s external activities have been cancelled,no more school excursions are affordable. The internet & mobile phones gone not deemed necessary by CS. The X relied on the pension, then worked self employed for years. So his history is all low income on paper. This department has destroyed to happy children for one parents greed as on paper he’s the poor one in a $900th house and overseas travel. In 15 years I have never requested child support from him. His actions where vindictive and at no time to the benifit to the children’s welfare
5
By: Mike from WA, Aust on June 24, 2019 @ 12:53 pm
Dawn
Dont have high expectations at the AAT. I tripped my ex up with evidence, AND law for a change of assessment when she left full time employment. She had no evidence. I still lost. Apparently it was the taxpayer that needed to be considered now. It doubled my CS.
3
By: Sami from NSW, Australia on June 22, 2019 @ 7:23 pm
Hi kris hi all fathers
It’s dictator system nothing you can do about it
Unless u change the hole government by having force stronger
From what the have.
That means no hope for men / die or pay
And I wish I find way to die with out pain because life is shit what’s point working if you end up see you hard work go some where called you child
But you rely don’t know if that is the case or the money get spend on mum boob job or nail or hair and the kids will only have the crump

God bless men and there children’s
5
By: Kris from Nsw, Zog on June 22, 2019 @ 9:18 am
Hi to all paying parents, family flaw / csa multi billion dollar racket destroying families and creating the new stolen generation and domestic violence.
Would like to clarify why some fathers are reluctant to pay child support.
The amount to be paid is too much, especially if you have lost your house and money to ex and lawers.
The amount to be paid is calculated yearly from your gross income and taken out of you net income.
Second jobs are added to you first job so you have to pay more.
Child support is seen as income by the banks, and as debt of the payer.
The child support payee is not pressured to do yeary tax returns.
The payer does not control how the cs is spent, ( can easily be set up through credit card method, where the payer gets the statement).this also would give proof how money is spent.
Minimum self support in the cs formula should be 30k, most people pay that in rent, what about the rest of living exp?.
2n job and overtime not to be included in cs assessment.
Custody court orders not to be overruled by csa.
No increase of cs unless payee does tax return each year.
Cs to be worked out using real world figures and circumstances of both parents, either through mediation or non stressful/anxiety type arrangements.
Just to give an example my ex always does her tax return when she is out of work , that way she is not forced to back pay any money from over payment. Unless i take her to court and spend 10k to get back 1k.
The system isn't broken it was designed that way . It helps no one and only adds $fuel$ to the fire. Open your eyes.








6
By: Dawn from Wa, Australia on June 10, 2019 @ 7:20 pm
Well folks we are currently awaiting a decision from AAT. Feel like I’m waiting on exam results lol
Anyway it should be very interesting as the receiving parent tripped herself up at the hearing on several occasions. She had no documents or evidence to support all her false misleading claims. She even went as far to falsify a rental agreement document with interesting information on it which was acknowledged!
At the end of the hearing she suddenly decided to inform the parties she was bankrupt. First time hearing this so I have tried to find information on it and all I can find in the child support act is what happens to the person paying the child support. Reiterating that the ACT is so one sided!
Maybe this needs to be addressed. What happens to child support payments if the receiving parent is bankrupt? I know they have to inform the trustees of any other income. But can’t seem to find anything else.
But hey this individual is something else so it wouldn’t surprise me if it was just another story!
Keep up the fight people.
3
By: CAMS Australia from vic, australia on June 10, 2019 @ 11:11 am
ATTENTION ALL,YOUR OPINION MATTERS!
We are reaching out to all, please participate in the following survey to help research the top identifying changeable factors of Child Support.
It is completely anonymous, multiple choice and will take approx 2 minute to complete. Make you opinion count!

http://www.poll-maker.com/Q3UGYFJ
2
By: David from Qld, Australia on June 3, 2019 @ 3:58 pm
Anyone know what to say to CSA if moving and working overseas? In my case I'm willing to cooperate and pay child support while earning money in another country but I also don't want them to screw me over and take over my income through my company. eg. don't want them to take more than they should or even don't want them having any contact with my employer as I see this as a private issue. Last time I politely called csa and told them i was 1 day late only the 2nd time in whole 5 years of paying on time and then they starting acting rude and threatening me saying how 1 day was not acceptable and they would contact my employer. And so i really fear calling them again and they will start making unnecessary threats on me. Or at least be prepared on what to say.
2
By: David from Qld, Australia on June 3, 2019 @ 3:50 pm
@Jordan not sure about any maximum but can work out some possible outcomes depending on income using the csa calculator:

https://childsupportaustralia.com/calculator-estimator/

This equation I personally don't agree with since if it's 50/50 I still have to pay and if you earn $5m then you pay a massive amount while if your ex earned 50k and her new husband earned 100k then you still pay some massive amount when they probably don't need it. Using my own situation my ex earns less than me and because of this equation she owns a house worth twice as much as my house and multiple cars and I pay more in child support than my own mortgage and I drive around in a $2k car.
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By: Adrian from Nsw, Australia on June 3, 2019 @ 10:45 am
The whole system is a absolute joke
There must be a way if we all get together to sort out this rubbish
I'm actually quitting my job this week as it's not worth working and I have nothing left at the end of the week
I struggle all the time but the CSA don't care
Live homelessness is what they all want us to be
Well CSA you have succeeded with me
You should stop and care a bit about the fathers as well
We are humans too
8
By: Sharon from QLD, Australia on May 22, 2019 @ 11:06 am
I am a mother who works full time - and also looks after child full time. The father does not want to have child. When asked any excuse. But I assure you HE tells everyone possible I wont allow him to see our child. Our child is now 14.. They are not stupid. Child rings dad can you pick me up from school, sorry no busy. Father has picked up child twice what i knoe from school in the past 8 years. I pay the school fees by myself. I am lucky our child -has 50% scholarship and is also very National Level in sports. The father won't pay a cent towards states or national events nothing, no school fees, books, clothes nothing. He also claims now his has own consulting firm this was 5 years ago this started when he met new wife. Still- working in his brother's company that he only earns $32,000 a year. from $160,000 to $32,000 ,,So that's $25 week child support. It's tough as I don't have a life at all. I have no money as I am doing the best for our daughter to support her dreams. When father remarried this is when it changed From $160,000 to $$32,000. just came back from Spain/Europe after one month. This time his father in law paid for the $20,000 Both himself and wife drive luxury cars approx$80,000 each. Yet - he will lie and say anything to not pay child support. My favourite part is he tells everyone I won't let him see our child. That is not the case .He plays the victim. I use to beg for him to pick up and have for weekend. Never convenient for him. I even said pick up from school one day a week. on NO THAT could be helping me. So - I know some of are legit. This man is the biggest scamming liar and he sounds like some of you above. I just want what is fair to help our child achieve her dreams. I find this difficult paying a mortgage, school fees, sports events, national's travel for sports events. i believe regardless that both parents share costs equally .. I know other mothers in the same case. The fathers lie and play victim.
2
1850. By: Mark from WA, UK on May 13, 2019 @ 11:36 pm
Replying to Kris from Nsw, Zog on May 13, 2019 @ 9:41 pm

The CSA are an intermediary (Government debt collection agency), as far as I know the full payments go directly to the payee. Whether the payee uses these payments for their intended use, for the child/children, as opposed to wasting the money, is another matter entirely.
1
By: Kris from Nsw, Zog on May 13, 2019 @ 9:41 pm
Hi
Can anyone answer this , I pay $210 weekly to csa maggots for a kid . Does she get this exact amount or does the csa skim a bit of this? .
2
By: Mohumed from Nsw, Australia on May 5, 2019 @ 10:00 pm
This government needs to ship shape child support laws, my one night stand had a child , I now have to pay 7000 a year on child support ,that is to much money , I have other things to lay as well. I'm also unable to see my own child and to see my own child I need a private lawyer that I just can't afford, why cant the mother just get a job ,feeling stressed, does any one else have to pay a high figure like this
4
By: Mark from WA, Australia (Now the UK) on May 4, 2019 @ 8:11 am
Having dealt with the CSA for 10-years, two things have become apparent to me. One, they are not interested in what is best for the child, (and neither are any of the state Family Courts, or DCP for that matter) it’s solely about minimising the financial burden on the state. In pursuit of this, the CSA has no qualms about ruining a person, and bankrupting them where needed. Their employees mostly lack compassion and the ability or will to see reason – but no surprises there! Two, it seems the CSA just random number picks when calculating a payer’s assessment amount. As we all know, the CSA income amount more often than not bears no resemblance to a payer’s “real” income amount, as in the ATO amount.

My son’s mother fell pregnant within 2-months of us meeting, and we separated 5-months after this. Everything happened so quickly, and if I am honest, I was never really in love with her. I took responsibility for my own actions and committed to co-parenting our son. Due to my FIFO work 50/50 parenting was never an option for me, however, I reasonably (and naively) expected substantial time with my son during my time off. I never even came close to this during the three-years I remained in my son’s life. My parenting access to my son was always extremely limited and controlled, not to mention the continual unpunished contraventions of Minute of Consent parenting orders by her.

To cut a long story short, I was falsely accused of abusing my then 30-month old son. My son was always happy in my company and I would never have hurt a hair on his head. Even so, I always suspected my son’s mother was capable of plumbing the depths of vindictiveness. I was never interviewed by the Police and only over the phone by the DCP. Eventually the allegations were found to be unsubstantiated, but the Family Court registrar ordered supervised visits at my expense. So that his mother could concentrate on parenting our son, rather than continually plotting for revenge, I walked away. Basically, since July 2010 I have been paying vast amounts of child support for a son I have “no” contact with. My son will turn 12-years old in July and I have no idea what he even looks like. Out of total frustration and sheer exhaustion, in April 2015 I left Australia and returned to the country of my birth. Since then I have been locked in a battle with the CSA, and mental ill health. The latter has prevented me from working, and being a productive member of society. That said, I did manage to write and publish a book about my Parental Alienation experience.

To add insult to injury, during the short time we were together, I paid-off my son’s mother’s mortgage to the tune of $69.5k. She was very smart though, because she didn’t register me with the CSA for 12-months, thus ensuring none of the $69.5k could be offset against my child support payments.

It is also worth noting, my son’s mother has pulled a similar stunt with her daughter’s father.

Although my payments have been re-assessed at the minimal annual amounts for the previous four financial years, I am now locked into a dispute with the CSA and AAT to have the arrears for these four-years zeroed.

I have always said, Australian Government departments would spend $100k to recoup $10k.

Best of luck everyone!

4
By: Jordan from NEW SOUTH WALES, Australia on April 25, 2019 @ 8:44 pm
Hey Guys, just wondering is there a MAXIMUM amount of child support payable or is it unlimited E.G If I earnt $5 million a year would i still need to pay a % of that ? Or is there a cap on what is realistically needed to support your child ? ***note I do not earn $5 m a year...just an example !
6
By: Craig from VIC, Australia on April 11, 2019 @ 4:24 pm
Simple one for many I suppose. Why is it that I am paying child support of almost $14,000 per year when my youngest daughter (who left school at 16 and is now 17) is earning almost $30,000 per year - from which she pays her own way, pays her mother board, buys her own clothes etc etc - it just does not sit right. So my ex is working and earning $60,000 per year - and receives $14,000 in child support and a further $15,000 per year in Board from the two daughters living at home??
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By: Summer from NSW, Australia on March 14, 2019 @ 3:52 pm
Has anyone had any experience with The Men's Right's Agency Australia? My niece's partner has an ex who moved the children 2 hours away. He went to a lawyer and paid to have an agreement that said he would allow her to move if he had access to the children every second weekend and half of holidays. She is now coming up with excuses every time for reasons the kids can't see him...birthday parties, sport, etc. Sometime she will text him when he is half way there and say they can't come. Centrelink contacted her to say she would receive a reduced amount because of the time the kids spent with the their dad. She's pretty well stopped them seeing him ever since. She is now claiming the kids are scared of him and he was violent in the marriage (which she has never spoken about to anyone at all in the 12 years they were married. Convenient how it's come up now.) He has spoken to a lawyer who said he will help if my niece's partner has $15000 in the bank to pay him. How are people allowed to get away with this crap?
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By: anthony perham from qld, Australia on March 9, 2019 @ 1:53 pm
I have paid child support for 18 years for a child I have never seen from a one night stand,l have since had 2 more children my son with me and a daughter with mother os.Centrelink said they overpaid me at times during the last 10 years,resulting in a child support debt .l lost my job and struggled for a year to save and pay for a family visit os for my son to see his mother and sister,really struggled even clearing out my sons school bank account to put towards it.We were all excited at the family reunion.At the airport we were pulled aside by immigration handed over to the federal police and told child support have put a prohibition order on my passport!My son was devastated and rolling around on the floor screaming and crying being consoled by the airline agent and female fed cop while l was on the phone to child support who were demanding l put an amount of 17,000 dollars on my credit card!this situation caused a lot of collateral damage and my son has never been the same.Child support needs to be closed down it has caused many suicides the way there mostly female so called officers talk to mostly usually depressed men is disgracefull.That was 8 months ago and my health has suffered and child support keep sending me inflated bills I think its up to 28k now and its totally incorrect you try and tell and they hang up,so I have stopped communicating with them and l just have to accept a one night stand over 18 years ago can destroy my family today!OR WILL I.
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By: Chris from NSW, Australia on March 9, 2019 @ 10:02 am
Hey, just a quick question guys. I have been under a private arrangement with my ex for child support for 13 years now, recently she has been trying to sniff out more money. Percentage for care has been roughly 50/50 but for the last year she has become distant and care % is higher for me. Most weeks while I am away for work my daughter has been with my family a few nights when she is supposed to be with her mum. I’d prefer this but my question is, if the child stays overnight with my family, does that count for care for me? As in would that increase my percentage of care.
Thanks
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By: Derek from Boston, Formerly oz on March 6, 2019 @ 11:27 pm
The only way to beat CSA is to cut yourself off from it totally. I'm experienced in my field and I've got a good support network willing to vouch for me and my capabilities. I took the first job offer I got (in USA) and took control back. If I didn't I would surely be dead now or living on the streets because things were that bad. I'm in a great place now and it was worth the hassles in short term. If you can move away it's the only way to beat the csa
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1840. By: Tommy from Nsw, Australia on March 6, 2019 @ 6:44 pm
If I become unemployed or redundant want is the miminum monthly payment I would have to pay
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By: Kris from nsw, zog on March 1, 2019 @ 6:38 pm
Word of warning , in the past two years i have worked with two guys who are paying spousal support on top of child support. They say that if the woman has not not worked for 4 consecutive years she will be entitled to it. I think they are slowly sneaking this in into family flaw and i recon in a few years it will be the norm.
Just as you thought things couldn't get any worse. And what about the two guys you ask? They're fkn pissed ,dont care about anything and hate everything, don't know who will survive. Just another perfect example of the gov maggots destroying the fabric of society through their social engineering , then they tell you how much they fight domestic violence.I wont even mention the new stolen generation of kids out there. Fight the system not each other.
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By: Jo fry from Qld, Australian on February 28, 2019 @ 1:06 am
I totally agree with everything said on this forum. I’m have 9 nights a fortnight and I’m the higher earner but have to pay lazy ass 30 year Centrelink scab. They ruled in his favour because he has had a low income for over 10 years. The system needs to change, no government will change this financial earner. If you pay on the 1st of the month your money is not paid to the receiver that day it is kept by the government and they make interest on that money.( It’s for the benefit of the child!) To get some change you have to create a finiacial loss. You need to put a complaimt on the centre link website. To set this up link your myGov account to the centre link account. On the top line there is a menu button the drop down has a complaints option click the link. The bastards have put a 5 to 10 minute time out. So include ur CSS number include the time of call and name of person make a one point complaining Request to revive and response by email. This will increase the amount of complaints and show how the department is incompetent and not acting in accordance with the law it is covered by. The depart will require to have staff respond to these complaints. Also there is no transparence in this system. The CCS website does not have a freedom of information form so you can access the information they have collected. You can right to the GPO box and request your file information again this is another expense to the system. Complain about the inaccuracy of documentation by staff. Tip for phone call stay on the phone for 20 minutes only request that they call you back at a given time. Again only talk for 20 mins. Put in a complaint if you had to wait for an extended amount of time. This system is biased against the payer and is being rorted by many ppl. Everyone has the right to be angry at the way they are treated the CSS just tick boxes to get their numbers through and are revenue raisers. As a collective body of the imjustedly treAted create complaints, create expense make them work and do their job properly. If there are enough complaints an government enquire can be requested. To many good ppl are being screwed financially and mentally this is so very wrong a class action would work wonders too. Complain about the pit dates financial logarithms being used by the system as it is primarily a business logarithms for revenue raising. Put in complaints about how this impacts on you financially. I’ve just been through a change of assessment and the accessor made the decision before I was given a right to reply. The accessor didn’t follow CSS policy. This seems to happen to a lot of ppl and it’s weong the staff need to be held accountable. And it should be done face to face not over the phone.
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By: John from queensland, australia on February 25, 2019 @ 3:27 pm
I would like to know what can I do to avoid child support payment? what is working for some man now?
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By: Phil Phee-az from WA, Australia on February 23, 2019 @ 9:33 am
Hi will try to keep this as brief as possible... 2016 my ex goes to CSA, lies and says I have stopped paying her via a private arrangement that has been in place for 7 yrs. She wants them to start collecting for her again - coincidently she's split up with her husband recently. CSA says sure, we'll back date 3 months as well, they then send correspondence for the next 2 years to no address - yes, that's correct, no address on any of the correspondence. When they do eventually catch up with me overseas where I have lived for years the kid is days off turning 18. Shocked to see I have 2yrs worth of arrears and penalty interest, I then have to ask for all the correspondence to find out what the hell is going on - I receive 2 yrs worth of correspondence in the post. Kicker is that by the time I receive all of this correspondence, I know damn well that the kid has not been living with his mum this entire time - he's been living as an independent and getting centrelink payments as such. I tell CSA this and they check in with the mum - she says "yes he's living somewhere else but I didn't tell you because I have still had 100% care and here are some statements from the people he's been living with". To me, this is surely an admission of fraud? CSA however never check with Centrelink to see what payments kid has been getting despite having the power to do so. Again, to me this would surely be the most efficient means of fact checking? Outcome - CSA decide the information does not warrant a change - I still owe 2 yrs worth of CS. What a bunch of pricks and parasites! I have had to lawyer up and have taken a different tack to prove my case and lodged a Complaint. Apparently this will force the CSA to conduct an in-depth review of my case and I have specifically asked them to check with Centrelink and FAO this time round. Yet to hear the outcome. In any case, keep a record of everything and you can also request transcripts of the phone conversations - you will need them for the Ombudsman, which is my next stop if my complaint is mishandled.
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By: Mark Lally from Queensland , Australia on February 22, 2019 @ 10:58 pm
"As a result of financial stresses (mainly from CSA and my ex-wife), on the 4th of December 2017 I was suspended without pay from my employment. Due to my own bad judgement I tried to find other ways to have money to cater for living and payment of CSA and never ending debts that kept accruing. I then on the same day attempted suicide which fortunately was unsuccessful but the effects on myself physically was nothing compared to the effect on my wife and our children. I remained in hospital until Anzac day 2018 and all this time my wife was hit with wave upon wave of the mess I had accumulated in debt but also the indignity of my actions resulting in her being told that my employment was terminated. Apart from the effect of her having to deal with me in hospital and the upset that caused our children she was also forced to leave her successful job and career as a Probation & Parole Officer in order to care for me and our family. Yet despite my actions Tanya continued to support me and was present at hospital visits everyday with our children, however having the enormous burden of dealing with our finances and keeping the family unit existing both emotionally and financially. All the time CSA didn't even give her a break they just continued to send letters and/or make phone calls to her with no show of sympathy just trying to ascertain when CSA could get some money. When the payments started from TAL it was needed to pay such things as food, schooling fees and our mortgage which had fallen into arrears and the bank was issuing letters to foreclose. Yet again it did not stop CSA, they just kept pushing meanwhile the money they were trying to get out of a seriously injured (and now an amputee) man's payment for not being able to work was being spent several times over by a 17yr old and his mother as they embarked on a cruise together. Yet in my condition the only cruising I was doing was attending my weekly appointments with my psychologist (to stop me from getting the second suicide attempt right)."

My psychologist currently is concerned that this pushing from CSA will have a serious and detrimental effect on my mental state and possibly send me back to were I was in December 2017, he wants to issue a letter to them advising this but what good will it do?? They just wont listen and wont stop their adherence to CSA policy and the fact that my estranged 17yr old son deserves his last year of payments from his father, even though he's not earning money to even afford his family regular things like clothes and food? What about them?? Are they not considered in need just because their father lives with them? Why are they not worthy of the same things that another kid gets because it is in "CSA policy". I need some help as I to fear for my mental state and the subsequent effect on my wife and family, after all they have had to endure enough and I do not want them going through anymore. I need help with what I see as constant harassing by CSA with no consideration for myself or my family.
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By: DaveC from Herefordshire, United Kingdom on February 19, 2019 @ 8:24 pm
Hi all - just thought I would give you all a viewpoint from someone who is now out the other end of the CSA hell. My kids (now 23 and 24) are great with me. I live in England but I am aussie. My ex abducted my kids and took them back to Brisbane so it was really hard. Now its all over, my ex gets no more money from me. My new wife is lovely and actually cares about me (what a change!). Hang in there - it's easier said than done. Try to not bad mouth your ex to your kids no matter unfair it all is. Your kids will grow up knowing that you are the good guy and their mother is a liar. Again easier said than done! The CSA money thing is so unjust but there is NO justice for fathers and thats just how it is. If I had known how bad it was I doubt if I would have got married. If you have a change of lifestyle and your income is halved you'll have less the CSA can take and you'll have less life stress too. This forum is great and don't forget that most people on here are or have been in the same boat so you are not alone! And there IS an end to it all one day...
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By: MARK from Vic, Australia on February 19, 2019 @ 1:50 pm
Fuck children and fuck childsupport agency I hope all the staff that work in this filthy department to die horrible death , everytime I speack to those pigs I get depressed ,angry , rage , suicidal , hating children ,hating women , hating life , hating to work , last time I was on the phone with them , they put me on hold for two hours and than they hang up , on my second attempt the men hater answered the phone and she was laughing and she was rude to me and she fucked up my case even more , am on 70000 k a year and am paying 340 $ a week for one rat I don't get to see him
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By: Berto from qld, Australia on February 19, 2019 @ 8:58 am
Click on the link below.
If you think the DHS cares, think again. They don't care for their own staff let alone us mere mortals.


https://www.glassdoor.com.au/Reviews/Department-of-Human-Services-Australia-Reviews-E871713.htm
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By: Tom from WA, Australia on February 13, 2019 @ 1:37 am
Would CSA use the income from a second job as assess-able income for child support?
I pay too much as it is hence the need for a second job. I just can't seem to get ahead. 7 years since divorce now paying an insane amount of child support, I cannot get out of debt, I have nothing and still have 3 years to go of this.
Any ideas would be appreciated.

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1830. By: Dan from NSW, Australia on February 9, 2019 @ 7:45 am
I can’t believe with all the gender equality crap they are coming up with these days that nobody has pushed for a change on CSA and the legislative web of bias against men.

I would gladly fight for our rights as male humans but I’m afraid the system has broken me and I don’t have the strength to do much more than write a simple comment.

I am left broke and broken hearted.

Good luck to all those that are being enslaved to the same system, I hope you find a way through.
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By: Ash from Nsw, Australia on February 8, 2019 @ 8:29 pm
Hi Rozza. I too was self employed.
Much too much to say here.
CSA sucks if you have make.plumbing
Anyway, I fought CSAHOLES and won .I self represented through the SSAT court process, the highest way to object to their decisions. I suggest you do the same brother.