Severin and Severin (Child support)

The matter of *Severin and Severin* concerned an application for a departure determination under the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth). The applicant sought to depart from the assessed child support amount, arguing that the liable parent possessed income, property, and financial resources that were not adequately reflected in the assessment. The decision was made by M Martellotta M.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether a ground for departure was established, and if so, whether it would be just and equitable to make a departure determination. This required the court to consider the specific circumstances of the case in light of the provisions of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* relating to departure from child support assessments.

The court's reasoning focused on whether the liable parent's financial position warranted a departure from the standard assessment. Having considered the evidence presented, the court found that a ground for departure was indeed established. However, after weighing all relevant factors, the court concluded that it would not be just and equitable to make a departure determination in this instance. Consequently, the original decision under review was affirmed.