Accurate Calculations
We help you understand exactly what you should be paying or receiving, sometimes looking beyond taxable income to real earning capacity.
Child Support
Assistance with child support calculations, assessments, applications, and modifications to ensure fair financial support.
Fair Financial Support for Your Children
Parents have a duty to support their children financially, regardless of their relationship status. While the government (Services Australia) handles standard assessments, these often don’t reflect the true cost of raising a child or complex income structures. We assist with private agreements, disputes over assessments, and ensuring your children’s financial needs (such as private school fees) are met.
Custom Agreements
We draft Binding Child Support Agreements that can lock in payment for periodic and non-periodic expenses such as private school fees, health insurance, and extracurriculars.
Challenge Assessments
If an assessment is unfair due to hidden income or special needs, we help you apply for a Change of Assessment.
What’s included in our Child Support
Binding Child Support Agreements
A formal written agreement where parents agree on a payment amount different from the government formula. Requires legal advice.
Limited Child Support Agreements:
A shorter-term agreement (up to 3 years).
Departure Orders
Applying to the court to depart from the standard assessment when the Child Support Registrar cannot or does not deal with the complexity of the case.
Paternity Testing
Legal assistance regarding DNA testing if the parentage of the child is in dispute for support purposes.
Frequently asked questions
Every family is unique, and so are the questions that arise during times of change. Here are some of the most common concerns people ask when navigating Child Support-related legal issues.
We have 50/50 care. Do I still have to pay child support?
Possibly. Child support is calculated based on the cost of the child, the income of both parents, and the care percentage. If you earn significantly more than the other parent, you may still pay even with equal time.
Does child support cover private school fees?
Not necessarily. The standard government assessment does not generally factor in private school fees. If you want these covered, you may need a Binding Child Support Agreement.
Can I stop paying if I don't see the kids?
No. Child support and spending time with children are legally separate issues. You cannot withhold money because contact is denied, and you cannot deny contact because money is unpaid.