Why might I need a Child Support Agreement?

 

A child support assessment through the child support agency is designed to assist the parent with the lower income or higher care percentage of the child to meet the day-to-day expenses associated with having a child in their care, such as food, rent and clothing.

Some paying parents form the view that the other parent should cover all of the children’s expenses because they are paying what has been assessed by the child support agency. However, the assessment is not designed to (and nor does it) cover every foreseeable expense that child may require.

Additional expenses to be considered include:

1. Educational Expenses (tuition, uniforms, books, booklist items, excursions, camps and technology);
2. Extra-Curricular Activities (music and sport equipment, uniforms, lessons and membership fees); and
3. Health Expenses (Private health insurance, out of pocket medical and ancillary expenses and medications)

When couples are together, they discuss their children’s expenses and how they will meet them. When they are separated it is no different. Children will continue to have needs (over and above their basic needs) and it is up to both parents to meet these needs to the best of their ability.

Private agreements can include provisions for periodic (weekly or monthly) payments as well as payments directly to third party service providers, such as schools, clubs or health insurance companies. There are a range of options to make sure both parties are comfortable with the agreement and the children are provided for adequately.

If an agreement is reached, it is best to formalise this by way of a Child Support Agreement. This can then be lodged with the Child Support Agency so that both parents know clearly where they stand in relation to their child support obligations.