Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

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Disagreeing with a child support decision

If you disagree with a decision made by Services Australia (Child Support) you may be able to appeal or ask for a review.

On this page

If you don’t agree with a child support decision, you may be able to ask for a review of that decision.

There are different types of review, depending on your circumstances.

Time limits

There are time limits to lodge a review or ‘objection’. If you plan to ask for a review of a child support decision, you should do this quickly. The time limit is usually 28 days from the day you get the child support decision. It’s important to remember that it can also take time to get help with child support.

Types of review

Internal review

You can request an internal review of some decisions made by Services Australia (Child Support). This is managed by someone who was not involved in making the original decision. For information, go to Objections to child support decisions.

External review

You can request an external review of some child support decisions to the Administrative Review Tribunal (the tribunal). This is an independent tribunal. You can request an external review if:

  • you or the other parent are not happy with the decision Services Australia (Child Support) made about your internal review
  • you disagree with the care percentage decision made by the tribunal.

The Administrative Review Tribunal has more information on their child support webpage

The Administrative Review Tribunal has replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. If you submitted an application to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal this will transfer automatically. For more information visit the tribunal’s webpage former Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Judicial review

You can request a judicial review of a tribunal decision if you think the tribunal has made an error (mistake) of law. You cannot apply for a judicial review if you simply disagree with the tribunal’s decision, or if you think they got the facts wrong.

Get legal advice if you want to ask for a judicial review. Ask about:

  • the legal costs of going to court
  • what will happen if you are not successful – you may have to pay the other person’s legal costs.

The Child Support Guide on the Department of Social Services website has detailed information about how you can object, seek a review or appeal and apply to court.

More information

Other support

Find out how you can get other support for parenting arrangements, child contact and child support.

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