Levett and Haycraft (Child support)

The case of *Levett and Haycraft* concerned a child support departure determination. The applicant sought to depart from the administrative assessment of child support payable by the respondent. The dispute centred on the income, property, and financial resources of both parents, which were relevant to the grounds for departure. The matter was heard by J Leonard M.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether a ground for departure from the child support assessment had been established. If a ground was established, the court was then required to determine whether it was just and equitable to make a departure order, and if so, what that departure order should be.

J Leonard M found that a ground for departure was established. The court reasoned that the respondent possessed significant financial resources that were not adequately reflected in the administrative assessment. Applying the principles of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988*, the court concluded that it was just and equitable to depart from the assessment. The court set aside the original decision and substituted its own determination.