Child Support

We provide practical advice to help you understand your rights, obligations and available options.

Both parents have a responsibility to contribute to the financial support of their children. While child support is often assessed through Services Australia, disputes can arise regarding income, care arrangements, school fees, medical expenses and other costs associated with raising children.

I can help you negotiate Child Support Matters.

Our Expertise

Child support assessments
Change of assessment applications
Binding Child Support Agreements
Limited Child Support Agreements
Adult child maintenance via the Family Court of Western Australia
Child support disputes
Private child support arrangements
Payment of private school fees and medical costs

Common Questions & Answers

What are my child support options?

Every family is different. In some situations, parents rely on a Child Support Assessment through Services Australia. In others, parents may prefer to enter into a private agreement, such as a Binding Child Support Agreement, that provides greater certainty and/or flexibility regarding financial arrangements.

Often private child support arrangements can be negotiated at the same time as financial family law settlement, and these agreements can only be entered into where both parents agree by consent.

Where circumstances change and there is no private agreement, it may also be possible to seek a review of an existing assessment through Services Australia (the Child Support Agency). We can explain the options available and help you determine the most appropriate approach for your circumstances.

What is a private Child Support Agreement?

Parents can choose to formalise arrangements through either a Binding Child Support Agreement or a Limited Child Support Agreement.

These agreements can address matters such as:

periodic and non-periodic child support payments;
school fees and costs associated with educating children;
medical expenses;
extracurricular activities; and
other agreed costs relating to the children.

We can advise on the advantages and limitations of each option and assist in preparing legally effective agreements.

Ready to take the first step?

Start with a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation* to discuss your Family Law Matter with Gemma.

* Subject to there being no conflict of interest