Child Support

Child support is financial support paid by one parent to help cover the costs of raising their child. It helps ensure children receive adequate financial support from both parents after separation.

Generally, the parent who has less care of the child pays child support to the parent with more care. The amount depends on both parents' incomes and the care arrangements.

Yes, parents can make their own private child support agreement. However, it must meet certain requirements to be binding and enforceable.

Child Support uses a formula based on both parents' incomes, the cost of raising children, the care arrangements, and each parent's other dependants.

Services Australia has enforcement powers including tax refund interception, employer deductions, departure prohibition orders, and litigation.

Yes, parents can agree to lump sum payments as part of a child support agreement. This can be used to offset ongoing periodic payments.

It can. Private agreements can include provisions for school fees, extracurricular activities, and other specific expenses beyond basic child support.

It can. Parents can negotiate to include medical, dental, and other health-related expenses in their private agreement.

You can apply for a change of assessment if circumstances have changed, or negotiate additional support through a private agreement for specific expenses.

Yes, if there's been a significant change in circumstances like income reduction, care arrangement changes, or new dependants, you can apply for a reassessment.

Generally until the child turns 18. However, if the child is still in secondary school, it can continue until they finish year 12 or turn 18, whichever comes later.

Yes, but it's important to keep records of all payments. Bank transfers or other traceable methods are recommended for evidence purposes.

A new partner's income generally doesn't directly affect child support calculations, but having new dependent children can affect the calculation.

No, child support obligations and parenting arrangements are separate legal matters. You cannot withhold child support because of access issues.

Yes, child support received is considered income for some Centrelink payments and may affect your benefit amounts.

Yes, a Parenting Plan deals with care arrangements, not financial support. Child support is a separate matter that needs to be addressed independently.

You can apply for an administrative review through Services Australia, or seek legal advice about your options including court applications for binding child support agreements.