Using the Child Support Guide
Welcome to the Child Support Guide (CS Guide). The CS Guide has been designed as a web publication (HTML) and is not available in a single electronic file or in paper format.
What does the CS Guide cover?
The CS Guide is divided into 6 parts:
Part name | What is covered |
---|---|
1 Key terms, principles & background | Definitions of key terms and definitions used in the CS Guide, the objects of the Child Support Scheme, the background of the Scheme and a brief history of legislative amendments, frequently asked questions as well as family and domestic violence, international arrangements and residence. |
2 Child support assessments | Policy relating to child support assessments, including applications for assessment, care, the child support formula and the change of assessment process. |
3 Registrable maintenance liabilities | Explanation of the types of registrable maintenance liabilities, notification requirements, how court orders are varied, and the registration of overseas child support orders, court registered agreements and liabilities. |
4 Objecting, seeking a review, appealing & applying to court | Policy relating to objections, reviews, appeals and court applications under the child support legislation. |
5 Collecting child support | Explanation of child support collection options and administrative enforcement of child support liabilities. |
6 Administration | Description of the various provisions that affect how the Registrar administers child support cases, including privacy and secrecy, freedom of information, offences and prosecution, and other administrative matters. |
Use of abbreviations
For ease of reference the following abbreviations are used in the Guide:
- Scheme - Child Support Scheme
- CSRC Act - Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988
- CSA Act - Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989
- CSRC Regs - Child Support (Registration and Collection) Regulations 2018
- CSA Regs - Child Support (Assessment) Regulations 2018
- FL Act - Family Law Act 1975
- FL Regs - Family Law Regulations 1984
- FA Guide - Family Assistance Guide
- FAAct - A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999
- FA(Admin)Act - A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999
- SS Guide - Social Security Guide
- SSAct - Social Security Act 1991
- SS(Admin)Act - Social Security (Administration) Act 1999
- PPL Guide - Paid Parental Leave Guide
- PPLAct - Paid Parental Leave Act 2010
- AAT Act - Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975
Finding information
The following features are provided to assist in finding relevant information:
- Search - type your search term (words or phrases) in the search box at the top of the page. The Advanced search on the results page allows a search to be limited to a specific Guide or Guides.
- Site map - gives an overall picture of the structure of the Child Support Guide.
- Keyword index - this provides an extensive list of words which can be used to search for specific topics.