Fannel and Snowdon (Child support)

This matter concerned an appeal by Fannel against a decision of the Child Support Registrar regarding child support payments. The dispute centred on whether the Registrar had correctly determined that a ground for departure existed under the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth) and, if so, whether the Registrar's decision to depart from the administrative assessment was appropriate. The appeal was heard by Magistrate K Dordevic.

The primary legal issues before the Court were whether the Registrar erred in finding that a ground for departure existed, specifically concerning the income, property, and financial resources of both parents. The Court was required to consider whether the existing child support assessment was unjust or inequitable due to these circumstances and, consequently, whether the Registrar's decision to depart from that assessment was justified and made according to law.

Magistrate Dordevic reviewed the evidence presented regarding the financial positions of both Fannel and Snowdon. The Court applied the principles established under the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988*, focusing on the grounds for departure outlined in the legislation. The Court found that the Registrar had correctly identified a ground for departure and that the decision to depart was a proper exercise of discretion based on the evidence of the parties' financial resources. The Court ultimately set aside the Registrar's decision and substituted its own determination.