Hopkin and Conlee (Child support)

The matter of *Hopkin and Conlee* concerned an application for a departure determination under the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth). The primary dispute involved the income, property, and financial resources of the liable parent, with the applicant seeking to depart from the assessed child support amount. The decision was made by M Douglas M.

The court was required to determine whether a ground for departure from the child support assessment had been established, and if so, whether it was just and equitable to make a departure determination. This involved considering the specific financial circumstances of the liable parent and their impact on their capacity to meet their child support obligations.

In reaching its decision, the court applied the principles governing departure determinations under the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988*. The court found that a ground for departure was established, necessitating a consideration of whether to depart from the assessment. The court ultimately varied the decision under review.