Sorting out child support in Australia

In Australia child support is assessed and, if you want, collected by Services Australia using a formula based on both parents’ incomes, the number of nights each parent cares for the children and their ages. You can also make a private agreement, but an assessment is easier to enforce.

Keep your own record of what was paid and when; Services Australia’s records are the reference, but disputes start with the parent who has none.

• The Child Support Enquiry Line is 131 272 (legalaid.nsw.gov.au).
• Care percentages change the assessment, so the number of nights in your parenting plan matters for money as well as for the children.
• You can object to an assessment and ask for a change of assessment in special circumstances; Legal Aid can advise on both.

Sources checked September 2026. Government pages change; the links go to the official page for the latest.

• The amount is worked out by a formula, not negotiated in the dark.
• Private agreements are possible, but a formal assessment is easier to enforce.
• Keep a record of what was paid and when; disputes are almost always about the record.
• Tell the agency promptly when income or care arrangements change.

Whatever route you take, a calm shared record helps. ParenThing keeps messages, the calendar, costs and handovers in one private place both parents can see, and your data is held in the EU. See how it works for Australian families.