The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

2.3 Child support periods

Introduction

This chapter describes the start and end dates of CSPs (1.1.C.150) and which financial year of income the Registrar will use when making an assessment for a CSP.

WA ex-nuptial cases

The information in this chapter applies to WA ex-nuptial children. See 1.4 and 1.1.C.170 for details of the date from which various provisions had effect.

Frequently asked questions

Will a new child support agreement always start a new CSP?

No. In an existing case, a child support agreement will start a new CSP only if it affects the rate of child support payable.

The date that the new CSP starts will depend on the date of the application for acceptance of the agreement, the date the agreement was signed, the terms of the agreement and the date on which child support first became payable under the administrative assessment. If a case starts with a child support agreement, a new CSP starts on the day the application was made to the Registrar for acceptance of the agreement.

Does a change of assessment or departure order start a new CSP?

No. Nor does a CSP end when the change of assessment decision or departure order ends.

Does a CSP end at the end of a child support agreement, change of assessment decision, or departure order?

No. The existing assessment continues after the end of a child support agreement, change of assessment decision or departure order. The case will revert to the usual formula assessment for the rest of the CSP. The last relevant year of income will stay the same (the last year of income that ended before the start of the period).

The Registrar may be required to make a new assessment if a later tax assessment has issued during the life of the agreement, change of assessment decision or departure. If so, it will make the assessment during the last month that the decision, order or agreement had effect, and it will apply to a CSP that starts on the first day of the following month.

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