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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Child support in Australia is a federal scheme designed to ensure that both parents contribute to their child’s living costs after separation. In Wollongong, as in the rest of New South Wales and Australia, the national framework is administered by Services Australia, with assessments, payments and enforcement carried out under Commonwealth legislation. The system considers factors such as income, care arrangements, and the number of dependent children to determine a fair payment.
The key purpose of child support is to provide ongoing financial support for children, irrespective of whether parents are together or separated. The process often starts with an assessment that sets a monthly payment from the non custodial parent to the custodial parent. In Wollongong, family law disputes related to child support can be handled in conjunction with or alongside parenting orders issued by federal courts.
Child Support is money paid by a parent to help with the cost of raising children.
Source: Services Australia, Child Support information and policy guidelines.
The foundational framework governing child support in Australia includes federal statutes that set the rules for calculation, assessment and enforcement. Key pieces of legislation commonly cited in Wollongong and across NSW include the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and the Child Support Act 1989 (Cth), together with related assessment provisions. Courts in Wollongong rely on these laws to determine parenting responsibilities and corresponding support obligations.
Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) provides the overarching framework for parenting orders, parental responsibility, and the interaction with child support arrangements. It is the main statute governing how families manage issues after separation in Australia.
Child Support Act 1989 (Cth) establishes the national system for child support assessments, maintenance, and collection, including the formula used to determine payments. This Act works in tandem with the Family Law Act to ensure children receive financial support after parental separation.
Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 (Cth) sets out the mechanisms for assessing the amount payable, including the factors used to calculate support and the process for changing or reviewing assessments. These acts are periodically amended to reflect changing economic and social conditions; ongoing updates are published by Services Australia and legislation.gov.au.
Recent changes to the scheme are rolled out by the Australian Government and are typically implemented through updates to calculation formulas, guidelines, and enforcement processes. For the most current rules, consult Services Australia and the official legislation portals. Services Australia - Child Support and Legislation.gov.au.
Child support ensures ongoing financial assistance for children after separation. It is calculated under Commonwealth rules and collected by Services Australia, helping cover living costs and basic needs.
You typically apply through Services Australia. They assess income, care arrangements and other factors to determine monthly payments and arrange for collection and enforcement if needed.
Assessments can be reviewed when there is a change in care arrangements, income, or other relevant circumstances. A request for review is usually filed with Services Australia and may involve a formal consent or court process.
Changes are generally processed through Services Australia. If disputes arise, you may progress to a court hearing in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Court orders provide enforceable certainty and are often necessary if one parent refuses to comply, or if an agreement needs formal legal standing to prevent future disputes.
Yes. A significant change in income can justify a modification of the assessment. You should provide updated income information and related documents to Services Australia or the court if required.
Hiring a lawyer helps you understand the options, prepare strong evidence, and navigate complex administrative or court processes to achieve a fair outcome.
Not always. Many cases settle through negotiation or consent orders, but hearings may be required for contested disputes or when enforcement actions proceed.
Child support is a nationwide calculation for the child’s financial needs, while maintenance often refers to support obligations in broader family law contexts. In Australia, child support is the formal term used in the national scheme.
Payments depend on the deemed income, the number of dependent children, and care arrangements. An assessment uses a standard formula updated periodically by the government.
Simple agreements can be finalised in weeks, while contested cases may take several months to years, depending on complexity and court schedules.
You can request a review through Services Australia, or apply to the Federal Circuit and Family Court for a formal variation if necessary. Evidence of changed circumstances is important to support the change.
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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
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