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Family Law

Child support lawyers in Ipswich and Brisbane

Child support is worked out by a formula, but the numbers that go into it, the agreements you can make and what happens when it isn't paid all need getting right.
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How child support is worked out

A formula set by law, applied by Services Australia.
Child support in Australia is usually assessed by Services Australia. The formula looks at both parents' taxable incomes, how many nights each child spends with each parent, and the cost of raising children at your combined income. The result is a yearly amount paid by one parent to the other. When incomes or care arrangements change, the assessment can change too.
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Agreements, changes and unpaid child support

You don't have to accept the formula, but the paperwork has to be right.
Parents can agree on child support between themselves. A child support agreement can be limited or binding, and a binding agreement needs both parents to get independent legal advice before signing. If the formula doesn't reflect your situation, for example because of high costs for a child's care or schooling, you can apply to change the assessment. If payments stop, Services Australia can collect child support for you.
Talk to a family lawyer

How we help

Clear advice on the numbers, then the agreement or application that fits.
We check whether the assessment reflects your real incomes and care arrangements, explain your options, and prepare child support agreements, including the independent legal advice a binding agreement needs. We also make sure child support fits with your parenting arrangements and property settlement, so the pieces work together.
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Looking for a different family law service?

Family law rarely arrives one issue at a time. Property, parenting, agreements and protection often overlap, so the pages below cover the rest of what we do. If you're not sure where your situation fits, call 0483 980 001 and we'll point you the right way.

Divorce and separation

Property settlement

Parenting arrangements

Consent orders

Binding agreements

Domestic violence

Dispute resolution

Mediation and arbitration

Prenups

Superannuation splitting

International family law

Living arrangements

OUR ACCREDITED NETWORK

Held to the standards the profession sets, not just our own.

Every Stanford Legal matter is guided by the professional bodies that set the standard for practice in Queensland, so you always know you're in trusted hands.
Why Stanford Legal

Fair to both parents, focused on the children

Child support is about what the children need, not about winning. We'll tell you plainly what the formula says, and whether there's a good reason to look past it.
6K+
Matters Resolved
4.3K+
Aussie Families Assisted
2.2K+
Homes Settled
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On Google Reviews

Meet your legal team

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Logan Stanford

Managing Director
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Victoria Eastwood

Legal Practice Director
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Janelle May

Practice Manager
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Jo-Anne Furlong

Associate Solicitor
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Laura Stuart

Senior Conveyancer
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Ryder Simms-Reeve

Paralegal
TESTIMONIALS

Trusted by families across South East Queensland

Parents across Ipswich, Springfield and Brisbane have trusted us to get child support right, and this is what they said.
"I simply can’t thank and commend Richie, Steven, Renata and the whole team at Stanford Financial enough for making my mortgage refinance as smooth as humanly possible."
Dan
Stanford Financial Client
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Katrina Emberson
Stanford Legal Client
"We are beyond grateful for Richie and the team at Stanford! 🙌🏻 Through every hurdle and challenge, they went exceptionally far to help get our application through."
Khirsten Mamangun
Stanford Financial Client
"One thing I always love and look for when choosing people to guide me is how much time and presence they give. They treated us like we were the only client they had."
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Stewart S
Stanford Financial Client
"This is the second time we’ve used stanford financial, and once again the experience was outstanding."
Blake Whitehead
Stanford Financial Client
"Phenomenal service. Thank you to the Stanford Legal team for all your help & guidance."
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Stanford Legal Client
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Christie Johnston
Stanford Legal Client
"The team at Stanford Financial are brilliant! I was referred to them by a friend and dealing with them has been a fantastic experience."
Andrew Bell
Stanford Financial Client
"I honestly can't thank the team enough at Stanford Financial, especially Richie and Mitch! They both went above and beyond to get my finance sorted, and they did it all within 24 hours!"
Jamie Harris
Stanfor Financial Client
QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

Can't find the answer you're after?
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How is child support calculated in Australia?
Services Australia uses a formula based on both parents' taxable incomes, the share of care each parent has, and the cost of children at your combined income. Its online estimator gives an indication before you apply.
Can we make our own child support agreement?
Yes. Parents can agree privately, or make a limited or binding child support agreement. A binding agreement needs both parents to get independent legal advice first, which we can provide.
What if my former partner isn't paying?
If you collect privately and payments stop, you can ask Services Australia to collect child support for you. It has powers to recover unpaid amounts.
Can a child support assessment be changed?
Yes. If your income or care arrangements change, the assessment can be updated. If special circumstances mean the formula doesn't give a fair result, you can apply to change the assessment.
Is child support the same as spousal maintenance?
No. Child support is for the children and is worked out by a formula. Spousal maintenance is support for a former partner and is decided case by case.

We're here to help you.

Get in touch with us to help guide you through your legal challenges.
0483 980 001
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