Child Support Lawyers Perth WA

Getting child support arrangements right from the outset.

Child support is intended to ensure children are financially supported by both parents after separation. While there is a structured system in place, the reality is often more complex. Income, care arrangements, additional expenses and changing circumstances can all influence what is paid and how.

We assist parents to understand their obligations, consider their options and put arrangements in place that are workable and sustainable. This may involve working within the Department of Human Services system or negotiating private agreements that better reflect your situation.

Clear advice early on can help avoid misunderstandings and reduce the likelihood of disputes later.

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Explore our child support services.

Understand how child support is calculated and what it means for you.

Child support assessments.

Understand how child support is calculated and what it means for you.

Child support in Australia is usually assessed through a statutory formula that takes into account each parent’s income, the care arrangements and the costs of raising children. While the formula provides a starting point, it does not always reflect the realities of every family.

We help you understand how your assessment has been calculated, whether it is accurate and how changes in circumstances may affect the outcome. This ensures you are working from a clear and informed position.

Common scenarios include: receiving a child support assessment, uncertainty about how amounts are calculated, changes in income or care arrangements and reviewing whether an assessment reflects your situation.

Child support agreements.

Put in place arrangements that provide certainty and flexibility.

In some cases, parents prefer to formalise their own child support arrangements rather than rely solely on the standard assessment. Private agreements can offer greater certainty and allow flexibility in how support is provided, including payment of school fees, medical costs or other expenses.

We assist in preparing binding or limited child support agreements that are clear, enforceable and tailored to your circumstances. This includes advising on whether an agreement is appropriate and ensuring you understand the implications before entering into one.

Common scenarios include: agreeing on child support outside the standard formula, structuring payments to cover specific expenses, formalising informal arrangements and seeking long-term certainty.

Change of assessment.

Adjust child support where the standard formula does not reflect your circumstances.

There are situations where the standard child support formula produces an outcome that is not appropriate. The legislation allows for assessments to be varied in certain circumstances, but the process requires clear evidence and careful preparation.

We assist with applications to change an assessment, whether you are seeking an increase or responding to one. This includes identifying relevant grounds, preparing supporting material and guiding you through the process.

Common scenarios include: high costs associated with a child’s needs, private education expenses, significant travel costs, income that does not reflect actual financial capacity and complex financial arrangements.

Enforcement and recovery.

Take steps to recover unpaid child support.

When child support is not paid, it can create financial pressure and uncertainty. There are mechanisms available to recover unpaid amounts, both through the Department and, in some cases, through the courts.

We advise on enforcement options and assist in taking steps to recover outstanding child support where appropriate. The focus is on achieving a practical outcome while managing cost and time.

Common scenarios include: unpaid child support, ongoing non-payment, difficulty enforcing obligations and reviewing available recovery options.

Advice and dispute resolution.

Resolve disagreements and move forward with workable arrangements.

Disagreements about child support can arise at any stage, whether about the amount, how it is paid or changes in circumstances. Addressing these issues early can prevent them from escalating into more complex disputes.

We provide advice on your position and assist in resolving issues through negotiation or other appropriate processes. Where needed, we can also support you in formal proceedings.

Common scenarios include: disputes over child support amounts, disagreements about expenses, changes in care arrangements and communication breakdown between parents.

FAQ.

Common questions we hear.

Child support is generally calculated using a formula that considers both parents’ incomes, the number of nights the children spend with each parent and the estimated costs of raising children at different ages.
Yes. Parents can enter into private child support agreements. These can provide more flexibility and certainty, but it is important to understand the legal effect before entering into one.
Changes in income, care arrangements or a child’s needs can affect child support. You may be able to apply to have your assessment updated or varied depending on the circumstances.
There are enforcement options available through the Department, and in some cases through the courts. The appropriate approach will depend on the situation and the amount owed.
In some cases, yes. Additional expenses such as education, medical costs or extracurricular activities can be taken into account, particularly through private agreements or a change of assessment.
While not always required, legal advice can help you understand your position, avoid mistakes and ensure any agreements or applications are properly prepared.

What our clients are saying about us.

I am so appreciative of your professional skill, I do not know how to say it. I will humbly surmise it all to two words – Thank You.
N.J
Family Law
Thank you for your assistance. You have both made the process easy and manageable and good outcome in the end. All the best and Thank you again.
A.C
Family Law
We were very grateful for the expertise of James Versteegen, and his experience within family law. At all times James communicated promptly and clearly. He explained legislation in lay terms and gave practical and understandable advice.
A.R
Family Law

Local expertise. Multiple locations.

Our team of experienced lawyers operates from five locations across Perth and regional Western Australia. We’re local people who understand the area, backed by the expertise of one of WA’s most established firms. We take the time to listen, explain your options clearly, and guide you openly, providing reliable representation and quality advice at every step. Because every client deserves our full attention.

Office Locations

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The road to resolution.

We believe in a clear path forward. From our first conversation, we break things into manageable steps, keep you informed and work steadily toward a fair outcome, until we reach the resolution you’re seeking.

Consultation
We listen to your situation and outline your options.
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Strategy
We create a tailored plan to protect your interests.
Action
We prepare documents, negotiate, or represent you.
Resolution
We work toward the best possible outcome for you.