About Child Support Law in Tauranga, New Zealand
Providing financial assistance for the welfare of children after separation or divorce has been formalised as Child Support law in Tauranga, New Zealand. Its primary objective is to ensure children receive appropriate levels of care and support, regardless of the living or custodial arrangements. This law calculates the amount of support considering the parents' income, care-providing capability, number of children, children’s age, and other factors.
Why You May Need a Lawyer
Complexity and uncertainty about the procedures and legalities of Child Support can cause stress and confusion. You may find yourself needing a lawyer in situations that include dispute over child support amount, navigating through the legal process and paperwork, resolving shared-care disagreements, and when requesting alterations in the amount of child support due to changed living or income conditions.
Local Laws Overview
In Tauranga, child support is typically required until the child turns 18 but can extend under certain circumstances. The liable person (usually the non-custodial parent) must contribute an amount calculated by Inland Revenue based on their income, the number of children, and the level of care they provide. Changes in circumstances, such as changes in income or care arrangements, can lead to alterations in the amount paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated?
Child support is calculated considering several factors including the income of the liable parent, the number of children, their age(s), and the percentage of care provided by each parent.
What age does child support stop?
Typically, child support is required until the child turns 18 years old. However, this can extend if the child is still in full-time secondary education or under certain other circumstances.
Can child support be changed?
Yes, changes in circumstances, such as a significant increase or decrease in income, or changes in the care arrangements for the child, can lead to changes in the amount of child support paid.
What happens if child support is not paid?
If child support is not paid, the Inland Revenue has a range of collection and enforcement tools, including wage deductions, seizure of property, and even legal action.
Can legal agreements override the child support assessment?
Yes, parents can enter into a private agreement about child support. This agreement, often known as a "Child Support Agreement", can be tailored to the parents' individual circumstances and the needs of their children. However, it must be approved by the Family Court.
Additional Resources
Inland Revenue, The New Zealand Ministry of Justice, and Citizens Advice Bureau Tauranga provide resources and support to those navigating child support law, offering information, advice, and access to necessary documents.
Next Steps
If you require legal assistance in Child Support, consider consulting a solicitor with experience in the Family Law field. Ensure that you gather all necessary documentation concerning your income, living circumstances, and care arrangements for your children. Communication with the other parent should remain open and respectful throughout the process.
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frequently, and interpretations of the law can vary. Therefore, you should consult with qualified legal
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