What Happens If My Ex Doesn’t Pay Child Support?

When child support payments stop, it can place financial strain on families — and stress on the parent left trying to cover all the costs. Fortunately, in Australia, there are systems in place to help recover unpaid child support and keep things fair for the children involved.

What Should You Do First?

If your ex has missed one or more payments, your first step depends on how your arrangement is set up:

• If Services Australia is collecting payments on your behalf (Child Support Collect), they can take action to recover the debt.

• If you have a Private Collect arrangement, you’ll need to either contact the other parent directly or ask Services Australia to step in.

You can switch from Private Collect to Child Support Collect at any time.

How Services Australia Can Help

When child support is overdue, Services Australia can use a range of enforcement powers to recover the money, including:

• Withholding tax refunds

• Deducting directly from wages or government payments

• Intercepting bank account funds

• Restricting travel (e.g. stopping passport renewals)

• Taking legal action in serious cases

Services Australia keeps a record of missed payments, and the paying parent remains responsible for the full amount owing — even if time has passed.

What If the Other Parent Claims They Can’t Pay?

If your ex has lost their job or their income has genuinely dropped, they can apply to reduce their assessment. But until that’s approved, they’re still responsible for the original amount.

If you suspect they’re avoiding payments deliberately — such as hiding income or working cash-in-hand — you can request a review. Services Australia has investigation powers and can look deeper if needed.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Recovering child support can be emotional and stressful, especially when communication has broken down. We can help you understand your rights and support you through the process.