Hello Menz,

I have two questions in regard to children care and child support:

1. The mother is a full custodian – she has guided two of my children – a 11.5 years old girl and 7 years old boy to walk without an adult to school – about 1km from their house while they need to cross at least one main road (with lights & pedestrian crossing though). Is this legal – i.e. for an 11.5 years old girl to be responsible of a 7 years old? If not – what can be done about it? This is not a “one time” incident but the arrangement since “she needs to be early to work”.

2. IRD Child support assessed me for income LOWER than my real income – this is because last year I was unemployed. In their first letter they have asked me of my current salary and I reported it, yet probably due to a mistake – they didn’t pay notice. Should I tell them my real income or just wait for the end of the financial year and enjoy that AT LAST the mistakes are on my side? I’m aware that when my returns will be filed, I will pay arrears.

Many thanks 🙂