How is child support normally calculated?
In Australia, child support is usually assessed by Services Australia using a formula based on both parents' incomes, the care arrangements, and the costs of children. But the formula doesn't fit every family — and that's where mediation helps.
What can child support mediation resolve?
- Private child support agreements that suit your circumstances
- How school fees, medical costs and extracurricular expenses are shared
- Disagreements about the assessment or a change in circumstances
- Arrangements that work alongside your parenting plan
A binding child support agreement
Parents can make a binding child support agreement that departs from the formula — for example covering private school fees directly. As with a BFA, each parent needs independent legal advice. We guide you through it.
Why not just rely on the assessment?
The formula is a starting point, not a complete solution — it rarely addresses big-ticket items like private schooling or significant medical needs. Mediation lets you build a complete, tailored arrangement that actually reflects your children's lives. Pairs naturally with a parenting plan.