Child Support Changes ....
2008-04-10 14:35:00.0
AUTHOR: Judy Turner
Hon Peter Dunne, in his capacity as the Minister of Revenue has had his department take a fresh look at our Child Support Scheme to consider how to make it more responsive to factors such as the complexities of shared care, the income levels of both parents and the costs of raising children.
The work done by IRD officials will eventually go to cabinet for them to consider any proposed changes.
It is expected that some of the necessary information will result from the current Families Commission survey of 10,000 people – a sample of recipients of Working for Families, recipients of child support, and payers of child support. The survey is looking at patterns of post-separation care of children and the costs of raising children.
The standard formula for assessing the amount of child support to be paid by a liable parent is solely based on the economic circumstances of the liable parent and his or her ability to provide financial support for the child or children involved. It does not take into account …
- the income of the principal carer of the child / ren
- all the parental circumstances surrounding the shared care of children and the associated costs of raising them, and at different ages.
- the more active involvement of fathers than occurred in the past.
It is timely to reassess the formula, to ensure that it is flexible enough to reflect the complexities of raising children when the parents are separated and both parents contribute to the care of their children.
Many liable parents consider the current assessment of child support liability to be unfair. Some say the costs of child support payments required of them, place strain on other basic financial commitments.
I am thrilled that Peter has prioritised work on this matter. Like most M.P.’s I have had tons of constituents bring their stories of concern to my attention and I do believe there is a need for change.
Ultimately, however, both parents are responsible for supporting their children, and it is the child’s interests that must predominate.