ROCKHAMPTON CHILD SUPPORT & ADULT CHILD MAINTENANCE SOLICITORS
Child support payments are payments made by one or both parents to cover the costs of caring for the child/children (usually until they finish high school or turn 18).
Commonly parents apply for child support through Department of Human Services (previously referred to as “the Child Support Agency”). The Department of Human Services (DHS) issue child support assessments based on various criteria.
Depending on your unique circumstances, it may be advantageous to enter into a private child support agreement with your former partner (being either a “Limited Child Support Agreement” or a “Binding Child Support Agreement”). These types of agreements can provide for the payment of additional expenses such as medical and extra-curricular activities. Our Rockhampton family lawyers are experienced at drafting such agreements to ensure they are legally binding and enforceable.
You should also contact us for legal advice if:
- Concerns have surfaced about the identity of the child’s biological parent (including DNA testing or providing proof of paternity)
- Your ex-husband or wife lives outside of Australia.
- You are a carer parent and have concerns about child support or child maintenance issues (including the DHS decisions)
- You are a liable (paying) parent and have questions about child support or child maintenance issues (including the DHS decisions)
- You don’t understand or disagree with changes to your child support assessment.
We can also advise you on the circumstances in which Adult Child Maintenance may apply for children over the age of 18 years. The Family Law Act does give the Court the power to make such Orders on a case by case basis.
WE CAN ALSO HELP WITH:
- Separation and Divorce
- Property Settlements for both married and de facto couples
- Property disputes involving parents and adult children
- Spouse maintenance
- Financial agreements (pre-nups)
- Parenting Arrangements
- Personal protection issues involving domestic violence
- Mediation
- Surrogacy agreements
Flexible Legal Financing for Family Law Matters
South Geldard Lawyers has proudly partnered with JustFund to offer our clients greater financial independence, particularly through family law litigation funding. For some clients, it can be a struggle to afford legal fees and disbursements, and limited access to funding sometimes means the settlement process stalls and clients get stuck. This partnership enables our clients to access the legal assistance they deserve to settle their family law matters and move on with their lives without the burden of immediate financial constraints.
Extensive Experience
Our professional team has extensive experience in a wide range of legal areas. Our approach is one of planning and involvement. We will continue to be there to support you with accurate and timely advice.