At what age does child support stop?

Child support is generally payable for children who are under the age of eighteen (18).

How is child support calculated?

The child support formula applies in most cases and takes into account the incomes of the parents, the living arrangements of the children and the children’s ages.

In some circumstances, the formula does not apply. For example, the taxable income of the parent may not be the same as his or her current income, or the children have special needs or attend private school by agreement between the parents.

A child support obligation can arise if:

  • Either parent asks the Child Support Agency (“CSA”) to make an assessment of the amount of child support payable. After an assessment the CSA can collect child support from the paying parent, or payments can be arranged privately between the parents;
  • The parents made a formal child support agreement;
  • The parents have an informal agreement about child support, however a parent entitled to receive child support who receives Centrelink benefits, may be required to apply to the CSA for a formal assessment of child support entitlements;
  • In limited circumstances, a Court makes orders about child support.