Child support,
worked out fairly.
Child support is usually assessed by Services Australia on a formula. We advise on assessments, prepare child support agreements, and act where the formula does not fit the family.
Client reviews
Family law clients,
in their own words.
The best family lawyers I have ever known. Great service, pragmatic, non-judgmental approach. Prompt communication with an amazing team who have a detailed approach and understanding.
N. S.Family law client · Google review, 2024 They truly work on the root cause of the problem and understand your case so precisely that no further worry is required. They take the entire burden off my shoulders… professional, direct and highly efficient.
A. N.Parenting matter · Google review, 2025 They set the right expectation and provided sound legal advice. I engaged them for my separation, which involved property and children and was a very emotional one for me. I will highly recommend them, especially for someone new to legal proceedings.
A. K.Separation, property and parenting · Google review, 2024 Pallavee was empathetic, supportive and professional throughout the process. I could tell the firm had my best interest in mind.
K. K.Family law client · Google review, 2021
Family law clients are identified by initials only.
Is this you?
When people come to us about child support.
Each of these is a good reason to call, and none of them is too early.
- You do not think the assessment reflects the other parent’s real income.
- You want to agree child support privately, including school fees.
- Your circumstances have changed and the assessment needs to change too.
- The other parent has stopped paying.
How we help
The formula is the starting point. It is not always the right answer.
Services Australia assesses child support using each parent’s income and the care arrangements. Parents can also make their own child support agreement. A binding agreement requires both parents to receive legal advice, and can cover private school fees and other costs.
Where a parent’s income is understated or the assessment does not reflect special circumstances, an application to change the assessment can be made. We advise on the options and prepare the agreements and applications.
What we do
- Advice on child support assessments
- Limited and binding child support agreements
- Applications to change an assessment
- School fees, medical and other costs
- Disputes about income and capacity to pay
- Advice on enforcement
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What happens first
Your first week with us.
A matter should feel different from the first call. This is what you can expect before anything is signed or sent.
The first meeting: where you stand
A fixed-fee meeting with a family lawyer. What a fair outcome looks like, what the other side is likely to do, and what not to do in the meantime.
In writing: a plan and an estimate for the first stage
The steps, the order they happen in, and the cost of each, so you decide with the numbers in front of you.
The first steps: your position protected
Time limits diarised, urgent matters dealt with first, and the first letter sent only once there is a strategy behind it.
From then on: one lawyer, who answers
The lawyer who meets you runs your matter. Calls and emails are returned within one business day, including when the news is not good.
Your team
Who you will deal with.
Matters are run by the people below, not handed down.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
If your question is not here, it is a good reason for the free call.
Can we agree child support ourselves?
Yes. A child support agreement can be limited or binding. A binding agreement needs both parents to receive independent legal advice, and we provide that advice and the certificate.
Can child support cover private school fees?
Yes, by agreement or through an application to change the assessment. We advise on the right route for your family.
What does it cost?
The first meeting with a solicitor is a fixed fee, quoted when you book. After that you receive a written plan and estimate for each stage, and you are told before any estimate is exceeded.
Tell us what is going on. We will tell you where you stand.
A free 15-minute call. If it is a matter for us, you are booked in with the right solicitor before the call ends. If it is not, we will say so.