When it comes to raising children after a separation, child support plays a vital role in helping both parents share the financial load.
In Queensland, the child support system is managed by Services Australia under federal law. This ensures that kids continue to receive the care and resources they need, regardless of which parent they live with.
Whether you’re paying or receiving, many parents have the same questions about child support, especially around how it’s calculated, who pays, and what happens if things change. The rules can feel a bit overwhelming at times, but understanding the basics can help you make informed choices.
In this guide, we’ll answer 12 of the most frequently asked questions about child support in QLD in plain, everyday language.
Let’s break it all down, one question at a time.
Overwhelmed by the child support application process? Our Queensland family lawyers at VM Family Law can guide you step by step to make sure your application is accurate and complete. Reach out today by calling us at 07 3447 8966.
1. What is Child Support in QLD?
Child support in Queensland is a legal obligation where one parent provides financial assistance to help cover the costs of raising a child after separation or divorce. It’s designed to ensure that children continue to receive appropriate care and financial support from both parents, regardless of their living arrangements.
The system operates under the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 and is administered at a federal level by Services Australia, on behalf of the Australian Government.
While child support laws are consistent nationwide, they work alongside family law principles relevant to Queensland, particularly under the Family Law Act 1975. These laws recognise that both biological and adoptive parents, and in some cases, legal guardians, share ongoing financial responsibility for their children.
The aim is to place the child’s best interests at the centre of all decisions, helping to support their daily needs, education, and general well-being.
2. How is Child Support Calculated?
Child support is calculated using a formula set by Services Australia.
The formula considers both parents’ incomes, the amount of time each parent cares for the child, and the estimated costs of raising a child based on national research.
This system aims to ensure a fair and balanced contribution from both parents, tailored to each family’s circumstances.
Here are the main factors used in the child support formula:
- Each parent’s taxable income (minus a self-support amount)
- Percentage of care each parent provides (e.g. shared, majority, or sole care)
- Number of children requiring support
- The age of the child or children
- Any other dependent children living with either parent
- Adjustments for shared care or special circumstances
Sample Child Support Calculation
Let’s say:
- Parent A earns $80,000/year
- Parent B earns $50,000/year
- They have 2 children
- Parent A has 70% care; Parent B has 30% care
Services Australia first works out each parent’s child support income by subtracting the self-support amount (e.g. ~$30,000 in 2025). So:
- Parent A’s income for assessment = $50,000
- Parent B’s income for assessment = $20,000
The combined income = $70,000. Parent A contributes ~71% and Parent B ~29% of the shared cost. Since Parent B has less care (30%), they may be required to pay a portion of the calculated cost to Parent A.
(Note: For an exact figure, use the official Child Support Estimator provided by Services Australia.)
Not sure if your child support assessment is fair? Let our dedicated Queensland family lawyers at VM Family Law review your situation and guide you through objections or reassessments. Call us today at 07 3447 8966 to get started.
3. Who Has to Pay Child Support?
The parent who provides less day-to-day care of the child is typically the one who pays child support. This applies regardless of gender or who initiated the separation.
The purpose is to ensure both parents contribute financially to their child’s upbringing, even if their care responsibilities aren’t equal.
A person may be required to pay child support if they are a biological or adoptive parent. They may also be liable if legally recognised as a parent through other means, such as surrogacy arrangements or artificial conception procedures.
Liability doesn’t depend on whether they live with the child. It’s about legal responsibility under the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989.
Some common scenarios that can trigger child support payments include:
- Divorce or separation (including de facto relationships)
- Surrogacy arrangements
- When a non-parent carer (such as a grandparent or guardian) takes over day-to-day care
Once Services Australia finalises an assessment, the parent with less care and the capacity to contribute must pay the set amount.
4. How Do I Apply for Child Support?
Applying for child support in Queensland is a straightforward process handled by Services Australia. You can apply online or over the phone, and once set up, they’ll manage the assessment and payment arrangements for you.
Here’s how to apply:
- Create a MyGov account and link it to Services Australia.
- Go to the Child Support section and start a new application.
- Provide key details including your child’s full name, date of birth, and Medicare number.
- Submit information about both parents’ incomes, care arrangements, and any existing court orders.
- Upload any required documents like birth certificates, ID, or parenting agreements.
- Wait for the assessment result, which will be issued as a Child Support Assessment Notice.
If you’re unsure, the Child Support Enquiry Line (131 272) can guide you through the steps. Or, you can speak with a family lawyer for personalised advice based on your situation.
5. Can We Make a Private Child Support Agreement?
Yes, parents in Queensland can choose to make a private child support agreement rather than relying solely on an assessment by Services Australia. These agreements allow separated parents to decide how child support will be paid and in what form.
This could include regular cash payments, lump sums, or covering specific costs like school fees or extracurricular activities. Private arrangements can offer flexibility and certainty, provided both parties are on the same page.
There are two main types of agreements under the Child Support Scheme:
- Limited Child Support Agreement – This must be based on a formal child support assessment. It lasts for up to three years and can be ended if circumstances change significantly.
- Binding Child Support Agreement – This is more formal and requires independent legal advice for both parents before signing. Once in place, it’s legally enforceable and continues regardless of income changes unless both parties agree to end it.
While private agreements offer flexibility, they must be documented properly. Consulting a family lawyer before finalising a binding agreement ensures it’s valid and in your child’s best interests.
Thinking about a private child support agreement? Our Queensland family lawyers at VM Family Law provide the legal advice you need to make your agreement binding and enforceable. Reach us today at 07 3447 8966 for professional and compassionate support.
6. What If My Ex Isn’t Paying Child Support?
Unfortunately, unpaid child support is a common problem, but there are strong enforcement measures available in Queensland through Services Australia and the Australian Government.
If your ex falls behind on payments, you don’t have to chase them alone. Services Australia has the authority to collect overdue amounts and enforce obligations under the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988 (CSRC Act).
Some of the enforcement actions include:
- Wage garnishing (deducting payments directly from their employer)
- Tax refund intercepts (redirecting money owed from the ATO)
- Seizure of assets such as bank accounts or property
- Travel bans, which stop a parent from leaving Australia until arrears are cleared
- Working with collection agencies for recovery of unpaid child support
If Services Australia’s actions aren’t enough, you may seek orders through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Free or low-cost help is also available from Legal Aid Queensland, the Child Support Legal Service, and organisations like Financial Rights Legal Centre.
It’s important to act quickly rather than letting arrears build up. Getting legal advice early can make the process smoother and less stressful.
7. Can Child Support Be Changed?
Yes, child support in Queensland can be changed if circumstances shift.
The system is designed to reflect real-life changes. If your income, care arrangements, or your child’s needs change, you can request a reassessment through Services Australia.
Situations that may qualify for a change include:
- A significant increase or decrease in income
- A change in the percentage of care (for example, a child moving from one parent’s home to the other)
- The addition of new dependent children in either parent’s household
- Increased costs for a child’s education, medical needs, or extracurricular activities
- Relocation that affects parenting arrangements
If you disagree with a reassessment, you can lodge an objection and, if necessary, seek review under the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024. For complex cases, getting advice from a family lawyer helps ensure the process is handled properly and your rights are protected.
8. How Long Do I Have to Pay Child Support?
In Queensland, child support usually continues until a child turns 18 years old. However, if your child is still in full-time secondary school when they reach 18, payments may be extended until the end of that school year.
This ensures that older teenagers finishing their education aren’t left without financial support.
In some situations, payments may also continue beyond 18 under what’s called adult child maintenance. This can apply if a child has a disability, medical condition, or special needs that prevent them from supporting themselves.
Such cases are generally decided through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia under the Family Law Act 1975.
The goal is to ensure children have the financial support they need, whether through regular child support or extended maintenance in limited cases.
9. What Happens If I Lose My Job or Income Drops?
If you lose your job or your income decreases, you’re not stuck paying the same amount of child support. The Australian child support system recognises changing financial circumstances, allowing you to apply for a reassessment through Services Australia.
It’s important to notify Services Australia as soon as possible through self service, the Child Support Enquiry Line, or your MyGov account.
Don’t just stop paying. If you fall behind, arrears will still be owed and may be collected through enforcement actions like wage garnishing or tax refund intercepts.
In most cases, a new child support assessment will be made based on your updated income, ensuring payments reflect what you can reasonably afford. If your situation is complex or you’re unsure how to proceed, getting advice from a family lawyer can help you manage the process and protect your rights.
10. Do I Need a Lawyer for Child Support Issues?
Not every child support matter requires a lawyer, but legal advice can be extremely valuable in certain situations. Straightforward cases, like applying for a standard child support assessment through Services Australia, are usually simple enough to manage on your own.
However, you may want to seek help from a family lawyer if:
- You’re negotiating or drafting a binding child support agreement
- You’re in a dispute about paternity or need DNA testing
- You want to object to a decision or lodge an appeal under the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024
- You need to enforce unpaid child support through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Even if you start with free advice, consulting a lawyer ensures your rights and your child’s best interests are properly protected.
11. Does Child Support Include School Fees and Extracurriculars?
Standard child support payments are intended to cover the day-to-day costs of raising children, things like food, clothing, housing, and basic education expenses.
They don’t automatically include private school fees, tutoring, music lessons, or sports activities, even though these can be significant parts of a child’s upbringing.
If parents want to include these extras, there are a few options:
- Make a private child support agreement (limited or binding) that sets out who pays for what
- Ask for a change of assessment through Services Australia if private education or special needs create higher costs
- Seek a court order under the Family Law Act 1975 if parents cannot agree
Including school fees and extracurriculars in a formal agreement can give both parents clarity and prevent disputes later. It also ensures that children continue to benefit from important opportunities without uncertainty over who is responsible for paying.
12. Is Child Support Taxable or Tax Deductible in Australia?
Child support payments in Australia are not taxable income for the receiver and not tax-deductible for the payer. They’re treated separately from your taxation assessment, ensuring the full amount supports the child.
However, child support can affect government benefits. For instance, Family Tax Benefit Part A may be reduced depending on the support paid or received. Payments can interact with schemes like Paid Parental Leave under the Paid Parental Leave Act 2010.
In short, child support won’t change your tax return, but it can influence Centrelink entitlements and other family assistance.
Need help with a first-time child support claim? Our Queensland family lawyers at VM Family Law will handle the legal details so you can focus on your family. We’ll guide you through the process from start to finish, ensuring your application is accurate and your child’s needs are prioritised. Speak to our legal team by calling 07 3447 8966.
Wrapping It Up
Child support in Queensland can feel complicated, but at its heart, it’s about ensuring children continue to have the financial support they need to thrive. For straightforward cases, Services Australia provides the main pathway, but when situations become complex or disputed, turning to experienced Queensland family lawyers can make a real difference.
If you’re facing challenges with child support or need clarity on your obligations, VM Family Law can help with agreements, reassessments, and enforcement. Call us today at 07 3447 8966 to speak with a supportive legal professional.
