Child support is an amount of money paid by a parent to another parent of a child or an eligible carer. Prior to the enactment of the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 (Cth) instead of applying for child support, parents of children would apply for child maintenance. Today, child maintenance orders are not allowed f it is possible that the Child Support Agency can make a determination for child support. According to the Child Support Agency, child maintenance orders are made with regard to families where the parents separated and had all their children before 1st October 1989.
Child support and maintenance matters can be agreed upon in court (usually maintenance), by the Child Support Agency or outside of court by the parties themselves. The factors generally considered in determining child support amounts include the child support income of the payer and the costs of raising the child. Ultimately, any decisions or agreements made must be within the best interests of the child.
Our child support lawyers and solicitors are experienced in dealing with all types of child support cases. We can assist you in dealing with the Child Support Agency whether you are making an application for child support or are disputing a decision made by the Child Support Agency. We can also assist you in negotiating and finalising private agreements for Child Support.
Within our Child Support section of our website you can find a wealth of information on the following topics: