CHILD SUPPORT

To give effect to a private agreement, you may wish to enter into a Binding Child Support Agreement. This is a legally binding document signed by both parents after having each received independent legal advice.

This document can set out the amount of periodic child support payable, as well as how other expenses are to be paid (e.g. private health or private education).

Child support can cover expenses such as clothing, food and education. Once a parent receives the child support payment, it is ultimately up to them to decide on how the money is allocated.

The level of child support is calculated upon several factors, including: the costs of raising children; the incomes of both parents; the self-support expenses of the parents; the number of nights each parent has the children in their care.

Free child support estimate calculator

If you want the Child Support Agency – the government – to collect child support from the other parent, begin the required Application to get the process started.

Alternatively, if you wish to implement a private child support agreement, we can assist with this. Tell us more about your case and we will then advise you of the best alternatives.

If you believe the increase in child support is a mistake, you can write to the Registrar of the Child Support Agency to seek an appeal of the decision.

If the decision is upheld, your only recourse then is to seek a higher, administrative review via the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Either when the child turns 18 or becomes a “member of a couple”, or when a terminating event occurs such as adoption.