Both parents are legally required to financially support their children
Child Support Lawyers – Adelaide
During a relationship and after separation, both parents are legally required to financially support their children.
Child support is the amount to be paid by you, or by your former partner or spouse, after you have separated.
At Bambrick Legal, our dedicated team of Child Support lawyers are here to assist you with valuable advice and support on child-related matters.
How Is Child Support Determined?
A Binding Child Support Agreement can be agreed between you and your former partner or spouse, or it can be assessed by the Child Support Agency using a (complex) statutory formula under the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 (Cth) (‘CSA Act’).
The complex formula takes into account the income and circumstances of each parent, including who has primary ‘care’ of the children (no longer called ‘custody’) and how much time the children spend with the other parent.
You can read more about parenting arrangements and child custody here.
In addition to the CSA Act, the following legislation and rules may also apply, depending on the circumstances of the case:
- Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988 (Cth);
- Family Law Act 1975 (Cth);
- Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 (Cth); and
- Family Law Rules 2021 (Cth).
What Happens if the Other Parent Stops Making Payments?
If you have a Binding Child Support Agreement (or a limited Child Support Agreement) and the other parent stops making payments, you will need to make an application to the Court for enforcement orders.
We can assist you with this type of application.
What Happens if the Other Parent Lives Overseas?
Many countries have reciprocal arrangements with Australia, allowing the Agency to enforce child support arrangements even if you or your former partner is living overseas.
However, each country is different, and so we recommend making child support arrangements through Services Australia (formerly, the ‘Department of Human Services’).
Sometimes, Services Australia can take enforcement action against a party who is living in a country without a reciprocal arrangement with Australia.
Child Support Calculator
Services Australia has a child support calculator which can provide you with an estimate as to how much child support you may expect to pay or receive.
It is important to be mindful that the calculator may not be accurate and should be used as a rough guide only (the calculator can be accessed here).
It is strongly recommended that you obtain legal advice as to your rights and obligations before making any decisions.
Why Choose Our Child Support Lawyers
When you choose our team of Child Support lawyers, you gain access to a range of benefits tailored to your unique situation:
1. Clear & Competitive Fees
We offer transparent and competitive pricing, ensuring you can plan your legal journey with confidence.
2. Caring Legal Professionals
Our lawyers genuinely care about you and your family, providing compassionate support during challenging times.
3. Efficient Legal Solutions
With over 10 years of industry experience, our legal team is well-versed in child support matters, efficiently handling complexities.
4. Multilingual Support
Fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish, and Italian, our team ensures clear communication and understanding of your unique needs.
5. Tailored Solutions
Regardless of the complexity of your situation, our experienced child support lawyers work closely with you to develop custom legal strategies aligned with your objectives.
6. Comprehensive Services
We can advise you on an agreement you have reached with your former partner, and we can then create a formal legal document for filing with the Agency in those terms.
We can also help you negotiate matters, such as school fees or medical expenses, that you may wish to cover in your child support agreement.
We can also help you with the following child support-related issues:
- Payment defaults,
- Changed circumstances,
- Disputes over the reported income levels, and
- Support for a child over 18 years who has a disability or is completing studies.
Understanding Our Costs
Fees at Bambrick Legal are competitive and cost-effective.
To provide you with an accurate cost estimate, we need to fully understand your needs.
This ensures that our services align perfectly with your requirements.
Book Your Free Consultation
Your first consultation with our team of child support lawyers is always free.
Book yours now to explore how we can assist you.
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What Our Clients Say
“I was initially apprehensive to engage a solicitor. Suzi has been assisting with my family law settlement and child custody issues. I have found her to be courteous, thorough, understanding, upfront and honest.
The staff at Bambrick Legal have gone above and beyond for me, and I have full confidence in the firm acting for me.
I would highly recommend the services of Bambrick Legal to anyone in a similar situation.” – Jackie