A Guide to Child Support

Tell me about the binding child support agreement.

This agreement must be in writing, and signed by both parents. The agreement can’t be entered into unless each party has sort legal advice, but you don’t need to have an assessment of child support (i.e. by the Department of Human Services).

Once signed, a binding agreement can only be ended or changed with the consent of both parents, or by court order.

Tell me about the limited child support agreement.

Limited agreements must also be in writing and signed by both parents, but you’re not required to have legal advice before making the agreement (although it’s recommended). Instead, you’ll need to ask the Department of Human Services to complete a child support assessment. The agreed child support payments should then be equal to or greater than the assessed amount.

A limited agreement can be ended or changed with the consent of both parents, by a court order, or after three years by either parent applying to the Child Support Registrar.

How are child support payments made?

You have three options:

A private arrangement

This means that you, the parents, agree the payment amount, the frequency and how the money’s paid, and you manage the arrangement yourselves.

If you run into trouble or can’t reach an agreement, you can contact the Department of Human Services for advice and assistance. But, if the payments aren’t received the Department won’t chase the payments on your behalf.

Private Collect

This is where the Department of Human Services sets the payment amount, based on a Child Support Assessment, but you and the other parent work out the rest.

This arrangement allows flexibility in the frequency and method of payment (for example, payments can be made by paying specific bills like school fees, rent, the mortgage etc.). With this arrangement, the Department of Human Services can step in to collect payments and chase arrears if payments are missed.

Child Support Collect

With this arrangement the Department of Human Services plays a greater role. They determine the payment amount (using a Child Support Assessment) and also collect the money and make the payments on your behalf. Under this arrangement, you don’t need to have any contact with the other parent. Additionally, if the payments fall behind the Department of Human Services will chase the arrears.

For more information touch base with the Department of Human Services.