What Are My Rights and Responsibilities as a Paying or Receiving Parent?
Child support in Australia is about ensuring that children are financially supported by both parents after separation — but it’s also about balance and fairness. Whether you’re paying or receiving child support, it’s important to understand your rights and your responsibilities.
If You’re the Paying Parent
Your Responsibilities:
Pay child support on time. This can be through Services Australia or directly to the other parent, depending on your arrangement.
Keep your details up to date . Let Services Australia know if your income or care arrangements change.
Comply with any formal agreements . If there’s a binding child support agreement, you’re legally required to follow it.
Your Rights:
To see how payments are calculated. You can view and question the formula and assessment used.
To apply for a change if your situation shifts . You can ask for a reassessment if you lose your job, have a new child, or care for the child more often.
To dispute an unfair decision . There is a clear process for lodging objections and requesting reviews.
If You’re the Receiving Parent
Your Responsibilities:
Use child support for the benefit of the child. The money should go toward essentials like housing, food, clothing, and education.
Provide accurate information . This includes reporting income and care percentages correctly.
Keep communication open . When possible, cooperate with Services Australia and the other parent to maintain smooth arrangements.
Your Rights:
To receive regular and full payments. If payments are missed, Services Australia can step in to recover the amount.
To choose how payments are made . You can opt for Child Support Collect or Private Collect.
To change the arrangement if things change. Like the paying parent, you can request a reassessment when circumstances shift.
Respect, Clarity and Communication Matter
Child support works best when both parents understand the system and approach it in good faith. Knowing your rights helps protect your interests — and knowing your responsibilities helps ensure support reaches the children who need it.
Talk to us if you want to know more about where you stand.