Understanding Child Support in NSW

Child Support is a financial contribution from one parent to another to help cover the costs of raising a child. It is typically paid by the parent who does not have custody of the child, to the parent who is the primary caregiver.

Child Support is calculated in NSW based on a formula administered by the Australian Government’s Child Support Agency (CSA).

Key factors which contribute to this child support calculator includes:

1. Income of both parents including wages and other income sources
2. The child custody arrangements and how much time each parent spends with the child
3. The child’s individual needs such as housing, food, education and health care
4. Expenses such as medical bills, childcare costs and extra-curricular activities.

A child support calculator is available at the following website, https://processing.csa.gov.au/estimator/About.aspx

The advantages of child support:

• Child Support is designed to provide financial stability for your child’s upbringing and to help with the everyday expenses of caring for a child.
• Child support encourages both parents to share the financial responsibilities of a child.
• Child Support orders in NSW are legally binding. Non-compliance with child support orders can result in serious consequences.

How we can help

At NLS Law, we can provide you with advice and support throughout the child support process. We can assist you with negotiating child support through mediation to ensure both parties reach an amicable child support agreement within the legal requirements in NSW.

We can also help you enforce existing child support orders or request modifications should your circumstances change. Contact us today.