Child Support
You may also be wondering about child support including periodic payments and school fees. Both parents have a legal obligation to provide financial support for their children according to their means and capacity, until the child turns 18. The amount can be determined by private agreement documented in a Binding Child Support Agreement or by the Child Support Agency.
We can:
Advise about child support entitlements and options
Negotiate, prepare, and review Binding Child Support Agreements.
Assist with applications to the Child Support Agency for assessment
Assist with enforcement of child support obligations if your former partner is not paying the required amount of child support
Assist with adult child maintenance, which is payable by a parent once a child is over the age of 18 years
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Services Australia applies a set formula. There are many factors Services Australia takes into consideration, including both parents’ incomes, the level of care, and the number and ages of the children.
You can apply for an assessment through Services Australia, or reach your own private agreement (for example, a limited child support agreement or a binding child support agreement).
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Not necessarily. Care is one part of the formula, but each parent’s income also matters. Where parents share care but their incomes differ, child support can still be payable by the higher earning parent.
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A child support assessment is calculated by Services Australia using the formula.
A private agreement is one you reach with the other parent. You can enter into a limited or binding child support agreement. Agreements can provide for periodic payments and/or non-periodic payments (for example, school fees).
Binding child support agreements require each parent to obtain independent legal advice. They cannot be varied and can only be ended in certain circumstances.
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A child support assessment generally ends when a child turns 18. It can be extended to the end of the school year where the child is still in secondary school.
In some circumstances, the child or their parent can apply to the Court for adult child maintenance.
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