Family Law Home

Q. How do I apply for Child Support?
A.  You should contact the Child Support Agency at www.csa.gov.au for information.

Q. Can I dispute a Child Support Agency assessment of my income.
A. Yes. If you believe your child support assessment does not reflect your, your children’s or the other parent’s circumstances, you may be able to apply for a change of assessment. To apply for a change to your child support assessment, your circumstances must fall within one of a number of reasons to seek a change. Just being unhappy with your assessment is not a reason to apply for a change of assessment. You should contact Tranter Lawyers to see if you can apply for a change of assessment.

Q. Can we agree on an amount different to a child support assessment? 
A. Yes. There are two options available. 'Limited agreements' are formal agreements that are in writing and signed by both parents, however there must be a child support assessment already in place and the amounts payble under the agreement must be equal to or more than the child support assessment. The second option is a 'Binding agreement'. Binding agreements are also written and signed by both parents, but the agreement can be made for any amount that both parents agree to, including amounts less than the formula assessment and there does not have to be a child support formula assessment already in place. Binding agreements can also include lump sum payments, including the transfer of property. It is necessary to obtain legal advice to enter into a binding agreement.

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