CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
YOUR ADVOCATE IN CHILD SUPPORT MATTERS
At Ramsden Lawyers, we understand the importance of ensuring your child’s financial well-being. Our client-centric approach, innovative solutions, and expert guidance are designed to help you navigate the complexities of child support with confidence and peace of mind.
UNDERSTANDING CHILD SUPPORT
In Australia, “child support” or “child maintenance” refers to ongoing periodic payments made by a parent for the financial benefit of their child. Typically, these payments are made for children under 18 years of age. However, there are circumstances where support may continue for a child over 18.
SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN UNDER 18
As part of your obligation to maintain your child, you must cover expenses such as food, housing, clothing, activities, and schooling costs. These are essential for ensuring that a child can achieve their full potential. Child support can be negotiated directly with your former spouse. Still, it is advisable to formalise these arrangements through the Child Support Agency (CSA) or by entering into a binding child support agreement.
The CSA uses a specific formula to determine the amount of child support, taking into account factors such as:
- The number of children and their ages
- The income of both parents
- The amount of time the child spends with each parent
A CSA assessment typically changes as parental incomes change from year to year. After the CSA determines the amount, parents can make payments privately or through the CSA. If payments are made directly, keeping detailed records of all transactions is crucial.
Please visit the Australian Department of Human Services website for more information on payment methods.
TAILORED CHILD SUPPORT SOLUTIONS
At Ramsden Lawyers, we offer a range of services to ensure that your child support arrangements are fair and beneficial to your child’s needs.
APPLYING FOR A CSA ASSESSMENT VARIATION
You can apply for a variation if you believe your child support assessment is unfair or inaccurate. Some circumstances that might justify a variation include:
- Sole responsibility for paying for private schooling or special needs
- Your child’s special talents or unusual earning capacity
We assist you in navigating these processes to ensure a fair assessment that reflects your situation accurately.
BINDING CHILD SUPPORT AGREEMENT
If you prefer not to use the CSA assessment, you can enter into a binding child support agreement. This private agreement outlines:
- The type of payment (periodic, non-periodic, or direct payments to third parties)
- The amount and frequency of payments
- The method of payment
Once established, a binding child support agreement cannot be varied without mutual consent. Our lawyers can help you negotiate and draft these agreements, ensuring they are comprehensive and enforceable.
SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN OVER 18
Child support doesn’t always end when a child turns 18. Adult child maintenance may be necessary if the child is:
- Completing secondary or tertiary education
- Suffering from a serious illness
- Living with a physical or mental disability
Either the adult child or a parent can apply for adult child maintenance. The amount of maintenance depends on factors such as:
- The necessary expenses of the adult child
- The parent’s capacity to pay
- The parent’s obligations to support themselves or others
Our family lawyers help you evaluate your entitlement to adult child maintenance and guide you through the application process, whether by filing orders by consent or making a court application.
WHY CHOOSE RAMSDEN LAWYERS FOR CHILD SUPPORT MATTERS?
Cutting-Edge Solutions and Innovation
At Ramsden Lawyers, we integrate advanced technology and innovative methods into our legal practice. Our commitment to continuous improvement means we offer state-of-the-art solutions, providing you with the assurance and peace of mind you deserve.
CLIENT FOCUSED APPROACH AND TRUST
Building trust with our clients is our top priority. You’ll find a warm, supportive environment from your initial consultation where your concerns are heard and valued throughout the entire journey until your matter is resolved. We invest time in understanding your specific circumstances and ensuring our services are tailored to your unique needs.
ACHIEVING RESULTS WITH MULTI-DISCIPLINARY EXPERTISE
At Ramsden Lawyers, our success is defined by the success of our clients. Our team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes by leveraging expertise across a wide range of legal fields. We integrate knowledge from property law, business law, litigation, wills and estates, migration, and personal injury to provide you with comprehensive and effective solutions. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures that all your legal needs are seamlessly addressed, offering you the full benefit of our extensive experience and collaborative efforts.
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
We know that reaching out to a family lawyer can be intimidating. To help you take the first step, we offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation. This confidential session can be held over the phone or in person at our offices in Bundall, Gold Coast, Milton, Brisbane, or the Sydney CBD.
To arrange your free consultation with one of our family lawyers, please call us at 1300 749 709 or fill out our online enquiry form.
At Ramsden Lawyers, we are committed to providing the support, expertise, and confidence you need to navigate your family law matters successfully.
