Child Support

Child support is a financial contribution from one parent to the other parent. Child support is often dealt with directly through Services Australia, known as the Child Support Agency, but parties may also make other arrangements informally through agreements or  the courts. 

Child support is usually paid until the child turns 18 or 12, whichever is later. In some cases, parents can file a claim for adult child support, which continues  until a certain date for their adult child. It is usually evaluated based on the percentage of time the child spends with each parent and each parent’s income. 

Many other factors are considered when determining child support, and each case is different. When you file a case with Services Australia, you will receive an estimate of how much you will pay. Our Lawyers can help you estimate the amount of child support you are owed or challenge the order. Some parents choose to enter into a child support agreement. 

A child support agreement can be either a limited child support agreement or a binding child support agreement. Child support agreements require an evaluation by Services Australia and are easy to cancel or vary. It must include a payment that is at least equal to the appraised value. A binding support agreement does not require an evaluation and can include amounts owed in child support. Parents often have to pay for  expenses related to their children, such as private school tuition, medical bills, insurance, and child supplies. This can be paid in addition to or instead of the weekly set  child support payments. To enter into a binding child support agreement, you should seek independent legal advice. 

Our Lawyers can help advise you on child support matters, including whether  a binding child support agreement for your child is in your best interests.