Child support
Child support helps meet the cost of raising children after separation. We advise on how it is assessed, how it can be agreed and what to do when the assessment does not reflect your circumstances.
Start with a free 20-minute discovery call. Meetings across Australia, in person or online.
Child support is about the children, but it often becomes a source of tension between parents. Clear advice helps keep it in perspective.
Child support is usually assessed by Services Australia using a formula. Parents can also make their own child support agreements.
We advise on assessments, agreements, changes of assessment and how child support interacts with parenting arrangements and property settlements.
Part of the bigger picture
Child support, spousal maintenance and the property settlement are all connected. Looking at them together often leads to better outcomes for everyone.
We coordinate with accountants and financial advisers where incomes are complex, such as for business owners and people with trust distributions.
Property settlementsHow we can assist
Whether you pay or receive child support, we help you understand your position and options.
Child support agreements
Limited and binding agreements that set child support privately.
Change of assessment
Applying to change an assessment where special circumstances exist.
Adult child maintenance
Support for children over 18 completing school or with a disability.
School and extra costs
Agreements about private school fees, medical and extracurricular costs.
Reviews and objections
Objecting to decisions and seeking review.
Child support and parenting arrangements are separate. Time with children should never be traded for money.
How child support is worked out
Most assessments follow a formula set out in child support legislation.
Call 1300 739 954Combined income
Each parent’s taxable income, less a self-support amount, is combined.
Cost of the children
The cost of children is worked out from the combined income and the number and ages of the children.
Income share
Each parent’s share of the combined income is calculated.
Care percentage
Each parent’s percentage of care is used to work out their share of the costs.
The assessment
The difference produces an amount one parent pays the other.
Payment
Payments can be made privately or collected by Services Australia.
“Highly recommend. From our very first discussion I felt supported and confident in the firm’s ability. The experience and commitment throughout this very stressful process was amazing. Everything was explained clearly and handled with respect.”
Questions about child support?
Talk to us about your situation and your options.
When the assessment does not fit
The formula works for many families, but not all. There are ways to address that.
Agreements
Parents can make a limited or binding child support agreement, with different requirements for each.
Change of assessment
Special circumstances, such as high costs or income not reflected in tax returns, may justify a change.
Review
Decisions can be objected to and, if needed, reviewed by an independent tribunal.
Common questions about child support
Who assesses child support?
Usually Services Australia, using a formula based on each parent’s income, the number and ages of the children and the level of care each parent provides.
Can we agree on child support ourselves?
Yes. Parents can make a limited or binding child support agreement. A binding agreement requires each parent to receive independent legal advice.
What if the assessment seems wrong?
You can object to the assessment or apply for a change of assessment if special circumstances exist.
Does time with the children affect child support?
Yes. The percentage of care each parent provides is part of the formula, but child support and time with children should be considered separately.
When does child support end?
Usually when a child turns 18, though it can be extended to the end of the school year in some cases. Adult child maintenance may be available through the family law courts.
What if the other parent’s income is hidden in a business or trust?
A change of assessment may be possible where income is not reflected in tax returns. We can help gather evidence.
What does it cost?
Your first step is a free 20-minute discovery call, where we listen, explain your options and outline what working with us could look like. If you go ahead, we explain costs clearly at the outset.
This is general information, not legal advice for your situation.
Clarity on child support.
Whether you are working out child support for the first time or the assessment is not working, we invite you to start with a confidential conversation.
