The financial well-being of the children is always of the highest consideration when couples separate or divorce. If one parent has custody of the children, for the most part, that doesn’t mean the other parent is no longer obligated to offer financial assistance for the expenses of the children.
So what things does child support typically cover?
The general and rather broad list includes:
- Schooling
- Medical costs
- Food
- Housing
- Clothing
- Extracurricular activities
Generally, child support is paid by the partner with more income, but less time with the children. The amount is typically negotiated depending on the state of the relationship after the breakdown of the marriage or de facto partnership.
To have an idea of how many children support you might likely be required to pay, you can visit the Child Support Agency (CSA) website and make use of their child support calculator, which takes into account the income and circumstances of both parents, as well as how many children under the age of 18 are involved. This is an estimation tool only.
It’s always the best course of action to be able to work out financial care for the children outside of a courtroom. While it’s not always possible, it is the most amicable.
Some parents may insist on child support amounts that are unfair or too high, desiring to use the money to pay for health insurance and private schooling. While health and schooling come under the broad categories of child support mentioned above, private school fees and premium health insurance policies are up for negotiation between both parents.
ALWAYS KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND KNOW WHERE YOU STAND
By consulting one of our accredited family law mackay specialists.To effectively mediate the child support agency process so it’s fair for everybody, it’s best to collaborate with your legal representatives. You need to team up with a law firm that has experience and expertise in collaborative law and family law.
That team in Brisbane is Aylward Game Solicitors. With specialist training in this field and many years of practical experience, we are the law firm you can count on for an expedient and fair resolution to your child support requirements.
FAQ
What expenses does child support typically cover?
Child support typically covers expenses such as schooling, medical costs, food, housing, clothing, and extracurricular activities.
Who is responsible for paying child support?
The partner with more income but less time with the children is typically responsible for paying child support.
How is the amount of child support calculated?
The amount of child support is typically negotiated depending on the state of the relationship after the breakdown of the marriage or de facto partnership. To estimate how much child support might be required, you can use the Child Support Agency’s online child support calculator.
Can parents negotiate the use of child support payments for private schooling and health insurance?
Yes, parents can negotiate the use of child support payments for private schooling and health insurance. While health and schooling come under the broad categories of child support mentioned above, private school fees and premium health insurance policies are up for negotiation between both parents.
How can a legal representative help mediate the child support agency process?
Collaborating with a law firm that has experience and expertise in collaborative law and family law, such as Family Lawyers Mackay in Mackay, can help mediate the child support agency process so it is fair for everyone involved. They can assist in negotiating child support payments and ensuring a fair and expedient resolution to child support requirements.
