Seedsman and Keysor (Child support)

This matter concerned an application by Mr Seedsman for a departure determination regarding child support payable to Ms Keysor. The dispute centred on the assessment of the income, property, and financial resources of both parents, particularly the benefits derived by Mr Seedsman from his business. The decision was made by Member K Dordevic of the tribunal.

The primary legal issue before the tribunal was whether to depart from the formula assessment of child support. This required the tribunal to consider whether the existing assessment was unfair to Mr Seedsman, given the income, property, and financial resources available to both parties, and specifically the benefits Mr Seedsman derived from his business.

The tribunal set aside the original decision under review. In its place, the tribunal determined that Mr Seedsman's annual rate of child support should be varied to $13,000 for the period from 1 April 2019 to 31 December 2025. Furthermore, Mr Seedsman's annual rate of child support was increased by $566 during the period from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020.