Taybourne and Taybourne (Child support)

This matter concerned an application for a departure determination under the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth) by the father, Mr Taybourne, against the mother, Ms Taybourne. The dispute related to child support payments for their child. The decision was made by Member P Jensen of the Child Support Special Powers Division.

The primary legal issues before the court were whether the existing child support agreement should be departed from, and if so, what the appropriate assessment of child support should be. Specifically, the court had to consider the father's income, property, and financial resources, including payments made by his business to himself and his current wife, and the mother's period of unemployment.

The court's reasoning focused on the uncertainty surrounding the father's actual income and financial resources, particularly the differing amounts paid to him and his current wife by his business. It also took into account the mother's recent period of unemployment. The court noted that a later variation to nil had been agreed upon. The Member reviewed the original decision and found it appropriate to vary the assessment.

The decision under review was varied.