Child Support Act 1991

The basic principles are set out in Sections 1 – 10.  Provisions include a duty imposed on parents to maintain a qualifying child (s.1) the general principle in relation to the welfare of the children (s. 2), a list giving the meaning of certain terms used in the Act (s.3), details on child support maintenance (s.4 – 5), applications by those receiving benefit (s.6), the role of the courts with respect to maintenance for children (s.8), agreements about maintenance (s.9) and the relationship between maintenance assessments and certain court orders and related matters (s.10).

Further details are provided in relation to maintenance assessments (s.11 – s.12) and child support officers (s.13).  Section 13(4) states the duty of the Chief Child Support Officer.  The Act sets out details on reviews and appeals (s.16 – s.28).

Provisions for special cases are set out (s.42 – s.43).  Details on jurisdiction are given (s.44) including the jurisdiction of courts in certain proceedings under the Act (s.45).