Child Support

Every parent has a duty to maintain their children financially. If you and your partner have children you are no exception.

Child support can be assessed and collected by the Child Support Agency (CSA). Usually the parent with whom the children live applies to the Child Support Agency for an assessment of the amount of child support payable by the other parent. The Child Support Agency makes as assessment of child support by applying a formula to both parents’ gross annual income, considering the age of the children and the costs of caring for the child; the amount of time the children spend with each parent and whether the payer has an obligation to maintain the children from another relationship.

If you and your partner agree, a Child Support Agreement can be entered into on a private basis. This agreement can be registered with the Child Support Agency or the parties can elect to comply with the agreement privately. Once registered, the Child Support Agency can collect money due under the Agreement. If there is an existing Child Support Assessment by Child Support Agency, a later Child Support Agreement will replace that assessment.

If you fall into this category following the breakdown of your relationship, please call Julie at Shedden & Associates today on (02) 9891 0055 or 0411 667 699 to arrange an initial conference to discuss this issue