If you don’t agree with a child support decision, you may be able to ask for a review of that decision.
You can get an internal, external or judicial review, depending on your circumstances.
You can request an internal review of some decisions made by Services Australia (Child Support). This is managed by someone who was not involved in making the original decision. For information about the process and time limits, refer to Objections to child support decisions.
You can request an external review of some child support decisions to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). This is an independent tribunal. For information about applying and steps in a review, refer to Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) website.
You can request a judicial review or court appeal of an AAT decision on legal questions only.
The Child Support Guide on the Department of Social Services website has detailed information about how you can object, seek a review or appeal and apply to court.
Time limits
There are time limits to lodge a review or ‘objection’. If you plan to ask for a review of a child support decision, you should do this quickly. The time limit is usually 28 days from the day you get the child support decision. It’s important to remember that it can also take time to get help with child support.
More information
Family Tax Benefit and child support
Adult child maintenance for over-18s
Proving who the other parent is
Other support
Find out how you can get other support for parenting arrangements, child contact and child support.
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