Child support

If you are a parent, you may have obligations to pay the other parent child support if you separate.

Child support payments are assessed by the Child Support Agency. You can contact the Child Support Agency to find out what your, or the other parent’s child support obligations are.

Child support payments are calculated using a formula that looks into each parent’s financial circumstances, the child’s age and each parent’s percentage of care for the child. Payments can be collected through the Child Support Agency, or paid directly to the other parent.

If a parent has special circumstances that make the child support assessment unfair, that parent can apply to the Child Support Agency for a change in the assessment. In some circumstances, a parent will need to apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or the Court for a decision about child support.  

Parents can also reach an agreement about child support obligations outside of the Child Support Agency assessment. A parent can choose to pay an amount greater than the amount assessed by the Child Support Agency, either by increasing periodic payments (weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis) or by paying for non-periodic child expenses, such as school fees in addition to periodic payments. Alternatively, both parents may agree to not claim child support payments at all.

A Binding Child Support Agreement can formalise an agreement reached between parents about child support obligations. Both parents will require independent legal advice prior to entering into the Agreement, which will be binding and enforceable once made.

If you need help negotiating child support payments or formalising an agreement with your ex, book in an initial conference to discuss your options and next steps.