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Child support changes not needed - budgeting advisor

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Child support changes 'not needed'

3News NZ

Ms Fox says any changes should make sure children are put first

Ms Fox says any changes should make sure children are put first

A specialist budgeting service for families doesn't believe a change to the child support system is needed.

A bill currently before a Parliamentary select committee is proposing changes to how child support is calculated and shared care defined.

Federation of Family Budgeting Services CEO Raewyn Fox says the system may become more complicated for no reason.

"I haven't necessarily had any cases where we've had customers that are saying 'this is really unfair, this is disadvantaging us'.

Ms Fox says any changes should make sure children are put first, which won't happen if parents can't understand the new system.

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Comments

10/09/2012 2:14:20 p.m.

Steve wrote:

The existing system needs a serious overhaul and in its existing format is extremely unfair. I'm caring for my three children for approx 115 days per year, however during this time when my costs rise and my ex wifes drop I have to continue to pay her over $1500 per month. As I dont reach the 42% threshold I cant make a claim against her for child support. Why have a threshold anyway? Surely a prorata system would be much fairer. Having a threshold also makes the shared time agreement get manipulated as there becomes a financial implications to the care ratios. NZ kids need their fathers involved in their lives - not barriers to prevent this from happening!

2/08/2012 12:44:10 p.m.

M wrote:

CEO of family budgeting services seems so out of touch with the people she is paid to represent. I doubt she has even sat in on a family budgeting appointment with a struggling family.

2/08/2012 11:54:23 a.m.

Bob Smith wrote:

Ms Fox obviously doesn't even understand the current system herself. How is it fair that the custodial parent, if a woman, can be married to a millionaire and the paying father still has to pay mega-bucks, disadvantaging any children he might have with a new family.

2/08/2012 10:11:58 a.m.

Frustrated 50|50 wrote:

I have 50|50 shared care arrangement. I have to met essentially the same costs as the other household - but the current system sees me paying $1300 a month under the current system. How is that fair?