How does child support work?
 
   

Parties who have children and separate are subject to a child support formula which determines the amount to be paid by the non-residential parent. The formula applies whether you are married or not.

For information as to the formula and other matters please check the Child Support Agency website www.csa.gov.au

  
  What is contact?
    Contact is the time spent by a child with the parent with whom they do not primarily live e.g. weekends, school holidays.  
  What is residence?
   

Residence, previously called custody, is the term that is used to indicate where a child will primarily live.

  
  What is parental responsibility?
   

Parental responsibility describes all the duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which parents have in relation to their children. It includes decisions such as schooling, health and religion. Each parent has shared parental responsibility unless and until a Court makes an order otherwise. A parent whose children do not reside with them can still retain shared parental responsibility.

  
  Are there any time limits applicable?
   

An application can be made to the Family Court in relation to the children, property or spousal maintenance at any time immediately following separation. To comply with statutory time limits, any application for property settlement or spousal maintenance needs to be issued within 12 months of a divorce.

 
 
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