Services Australia provides child support assessments. An assessment is one part of a subject that can also involve payment arrangements and agreements. Start with your current documents and the official guidance rather than an old online example.
Understanding an assessment
Services Australia explains how it works out an assessment, including the information it uses about income and care. Its assessment guide covers applying and managing an assessment.
Finding the official estimator
The official Child Support online account guide links to the Child Support Estimator. Follow that current link and read the estimator instructions. An estimate is not your formal assessment. Avoid relying on rates or worked examples from an old article.
Changes and disagreements
If information in an assessment seems wrong or circumstances have changed, consult the relevant Services Australia instructions promptly. Keep the decision letter and its date. The assessment guide links to information about objections; check the process and applicable time limits for your decision rather than assuming a general deadline applies.
Prepare for a conversation
- Gather the assessment and relevant correspondence.
- Write down current care arrangements and the dates of any changes.
- Bring the income information relevant to the assessment.
- List existing agreements, payments and the points you want explained.
- Ask what a proposed agreement would mean before signing it.
For legal advice about your circumstances, explore family law information. Our directory guides explain how listings work.
General information, not legal advice. This does not take your circumstances into account or create a lawyer and client relationship. Lawyers of Sydney is operated by Jameson Law. A directory listing is not a recommendation.