• Stop the Harassment  We can set up and arrangement where the DHSCS will not call you. In fact if they do call you they will be breaking the law.

 

• Change of Assessment We will prepare a change of Assessment application on your behalf. We  know all the reasons that can apply and we can give you a good idea of the likelihood of success beforehand.

 

• Objections If you have an assessment that you don’t agree with or if there has been change of assessment application that has not gone your way, you can appeal. This is called an Objection. Please be aware that you only have a limited time to lodge an Objection so do not delay. Obtaining extensions of time is extremely difficult.

 

• Estimates of Income Almost all debt situations with DHSCS arise out of the way that the DHSCS annualise estimates of income. These have to be done properly so that you do not end up with a debt when your tax return is lodged. We prepare these for our clients in writing.

 

• Binding Child Support Agreements  These are agreements between parents where neither of you have to deal with the DHSCS again. These agreements are professionally prepared with consultation of both parents. It is a requirement that each parent must seek independent legal advice prior to signing. The agreement is then registered with the DHSCS. It can only be overturned by a Court in exceptional circumstances.

 

• Complaints DHSCS has a Code of Conduct requiring them to adhere to strict professional standards – These include ” APS employees must treat the public with respect and courtesy, and without harassment. They should provide reasonable assistance and help the public to understand their entitlements and obligations. Decision makers should also be able to demonstrate that their decisions are ‘fair and reasonable’ in the circumstances, that the powers they exercise are properly authorised and used appropriately, that procedural fairness has been observed and they are able to provide reasons to explain and justify their decisions, ensuring fairness, transparency, consistency and accountability.” Frequently these standards are breached by DHSCS staff. When this happens we can prepare a complaint on your behalf.

 

• Debt, Arrears and Penalties We can negotiate payment arrangements with DHSCS which in most cases will remove the penalty debt. We can also negotiate lump sum payments with the other parent that will remove DHSCS from the picture and automatically get rid of the debt to them.

 

• Compensation If you have suffered a financial loss because of negligent advice from DHSCS staff this can lead to a claim for compensation. This also extends to not giving you all the options that could have assisted you. We know what you should have been told and we also know that in most cases people are not given full advice by DHSCS. We can tell you if we think there could be a successful claim for compensation and we can lodge this on your behalf.

Most of all our job is to try and alleviate your child support pain. Call us now on 0498587673 or email to admin@csha.com.au .