Child Support

As prescribed by section 35 of the CSAA, the annual rate of child support payable is calculated by using the formula:

Child support amount = child support percentage × costs of the child.

The formula:

1. is based on the costs of raising children;
2. considers the combined income of both parents and treats the income of both parents in the same way;
3. recognises both parents’ contributions to the children via care or contact; and
4. treats the children from first and subsequent families more equally.
   
   

Alternatively, you may wish to make a child support agreement with your former partner instead of seeking an administrative assessment of child support. 

This may be a more flexible option as you can agree on the amount of child support that must be paid or change the elements of an administrative assessment made by Services Australia (Child Support). Agreements can also be made about methods of paying child support, such as non-periodic and lump-sum payments.