The Law Handbook 2024

Chapter 4.2: Parental responsibilities and child support 275 more information, contact Centrelink on 13 61 50. Centrelink accepts that there may be reasons for a person not to apply for child support. These include the other parent is unknown or cannot be located after efforts have been made; or the applicant parent fears violence or threats from the other parent. You usually cannot claim backdated child support payments for any period in which Centrelink grants an exemption from pursuing the other parent for child support. Discuss these matters with a Centrelink officer. Centrelink is not required to approve child support agreements lodged with Services Australia. Centrelink will calculate a parent’s entitlement to FTB Part A on the basis of a notional assessment of child support made by Services Australia. (See also ‘Child support agreements’, above.) Family violence and child support Financial abuse or economic abuse is recognised as a form of family violence in the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic). Financial abuse may be perpetuated through the child support system by avoiding paying child support, and by misusing child support procedures and legal processes. For more information about family violence, see Chapter 4.4: Family violence. More information The Legal Practitioner’s Guide contains precedents for child support agreements and court orders. This guide was jointly produced by the Family Law Council, the Family Law Department of the Law Council of Australia, and Services Australia (formerly the Australian Government Department of Human Services) in 2008. Contacts Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) Social Services and Child Support Division: Level 4, 15 William Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Tel: 1800 228 333 Web: www.aat.gov.au/apply-for-a-review/child-support/ child-support-overview Services Australia – Child Support Tel (child support enquiry line): 131 272 Web: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/ child-support Victoria Legal Aid – Child Support Legal Service Tel: 1300 792 387 Web: www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/enquire-about-child- support-appointment Legal advice about maintenance or child support issues is available through Victoria Legal Aid’s (VLA) Child Support Legal Service. To help VLA assess which child support service you need, complete the online form at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/ enquire-about-child-support-appointment.