Baars v Social Security Commission - [1989] 1 NZLR 378

Husband and wife — Maintenance of children — Liable parent contribution scheme — Objection to contribution — Father had custody of children and applied for domestic purposes benefit — Social Welfare Department assessed mother for maintenance under liable parent contribution scheme — Mother subsequently agreed to transfer her share in matrimonial home to father at reduced price in settlement of maintenance claims in respect of children — Mother then objected to her liable parent contribution — Whether subsequent property settlement provided valid grounds for objection — Observations as to validity of a property settlement which increases the burden on the State — Social Security Act 1964, ss 27N, 27P and 27ZH.