Child support in Australia: assessments, agreements and options
Understand child support assessments, private agreements, expenses and practical options for separated parents in Australia.
Read article →Child Support
Clear advice on assessments, agreements and arrangements.
Understand how child support works, how it connects with parenting arrangements, and when private agreements may be appropriate.
- Usually assessed by
Services Australia
- Considers
Income & care %
- Private agreements
Can be made
- Separate from
Property settlement
What child support means.
Child support is financial support paid by one parent to the other after separation to contribute to the costs of raising children. In most cases, it is assessed by Services Australia using a formula that takes into account each parent's income, the amount of time children spend with each parent, the costs of raising children at different ages, and the cost of living.
Some families rely entirely on a formal child support assessment. Others supplement it - or replace it - with private arrangements that cover specific expenses such as school fees, medical costs, health insurance, extracurricular activities and other agreed costs.
A straightforward assessment can quickly become a source of dispute. Common issues include changes in care arrangements, disagreements about income - particularly where a parent is self-employed or has recently changed employment - irregular or withheld payments, and disputes about who pays for what outside the assessment.
Reducing income to pay less does not work.
Deliberately reducing income to lower a child support assessment is taken seriously. Services Australia and the courts can assess a parent's capacity to earn - not just their actual income - where there is reason to believe income has been artificially reduced. Self-employment, business structures and trusts are areas where this issue commonly arises.
Our approach
Practical issues, practical advice.
Child support issues can affect household stability and children's practical needs. Advice helps parents avoid incomplete, unclear or difficult-to-enforce arrangements.
Clear explanation.
We explain how child support may be assessed in plain English - without the Services Australia jargon.
Parenting overlap understood.
We consider how care arrangements and child support actually interact in your matter.
Private expense advice.
We assist with school fees, medical costs and special financial arrangements outside the standard formula.
Agreement review.
We advise before limited or binding child support agreements are signed - not after the consequences appear.
How it works
The Child Support process.
Child support advice depends on the current assessment, care arrangements, financial circumstances of each parent and whether a private agreement is in place.
01
Review current arrangements
Consider the assessment, care arrangements, income position and private expenses.
02
Identify the issue
Clarify whether the dispute relates to income, care, expenses, arrears or agreement terms.
03
Consider options
Assess whether the issue may be addressed through Services Australia, negotiation, objection, review or agreement.
04
Negotiate or document
Assist with private arrangements, limited agreements or binding child support agreements where appropriate.
05
Plan related steps
Understand how child support connects with parenting, property or financial planning.
Frequently asked questions
Advice from our family law team.
How is child support calculated?
Services Australia uses a formula that considers income, care percentage and the costs of children. Private agreements may also be possible.
What is care percentage?
Care percentage is the amount of care a parent or carer has for a child. It can affect child support calculations.
Can school fees be included?
School fees and other private expenses may be addressed by agreement or, in some circumstances, through child support processes.
What if the other parent's income is unclear?
Advice may be needed about available review processes, evidence and whether a change to the assessment should be pursued.
Can we make a private child support agreement?
Yes. Limited and binding child support agreements exist, but the legal effect and risk should be understood before signing.
What if payments are not being made?
Options depend on whether there is an assessment, agreement or arrears. Advice can help identify the enforcement pathway.
When does child support end?
Child support generally ends when a child turns 18, although it may be extended to the end of the school year if the child turns 18 during their final year of secondary school and an application is made in time. In some circumstances, maintenance for an adult child may be sought to help them complete their education or because of a disability.
Can a child support assessment be changed in special circumstances?
Yes. In special circumstances - for example, a child's special needs, significant education costs or high costs of spending time with a child - a parent or carer may apply for a change of assessment, and in some cases a court may be asked to depart from the assessment.
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Child support in Australia: assessments, agreements and options
Understand child support assessments, private agreements, expenses and practical options for separated parents in Australia.
Read article →Child support in Australia: assessments, agreements and options
Understand child support assessments, private agreements, expenses and practical options for separated parents in Australia.
Read article →Our Offices
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