Child Support

Child support is an essential part of navigating separation or changes in family circumstances, ensuring children’s financial needs are addressed. Where arrangements are unclear or disputed, uncertainty can arise.

We help:

Clarify child support arrangements and available options
Understand how arrangements are managed where parents’ views differ
Approach decisions affecting children’s financial care with confidence

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Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)

First class advice, service, and communication. I have had the pleasure of working with Velocity Legal for many years across a range of challenging matters and they never fail to impress.

Grant F

Their meticulous attention to detail, unwavering professionalism and strategic approach have delivered an outstanding result. Their level of service is nothing short of impressive.

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From the initial consultation to the final resolution, they provided exceptional
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We are an accounting firm that works closely with Velocity Legal on all our client's legal matters… Every client who works with their team is delighted and impressed by the clear advice, efficient communication, and seamless process.

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I highly recommend the team at Velocity Legal. They are extremely knowledgeable, professional, have an eye for detail and their work ethic is second to none.

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They provided so much support and guidance through the process and I felt like they genuinely cared about getting the right outcome for me. They obviously know their stuff but were able to explain things in a simple and clear way.

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Approachable, honest, professional and transparent. An absolute pleasure to work with.

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We Understand What You Are Going Through

Separation or changes in family circumstances can raise practical questions about financial arrangements for children. You may be navigating how support is assessed, paid, or adjusted as situations change.

Differences in income, care arrangements, or expectations between parents can affect how child support is managed in practice. Where arrangements need to be formalised, reviewed, or enforced, it may be unclear how changes should be addressed.

We understand the sensitivity of child support matters. We help you work through the available pathways to support child-focused arrangements.

Our Services Include

Negotiating child support terms and preparing limited or binding child support agreements
Assisting with reviews and variations of child support assessments through Services Australia
Addressing child support and child maintenance matters involving a parent living overseas
Preparing and progressing departure applications to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Acting in enforcement proceedings for unpaid child support under limited or binding agreements
Advising on applications for adult child maintenance orders

Our Difference

Accountability & Expertise

Every matter we handle comes with full accountability. You’ll deal directly with an expert – every time, no exceptions.

In Your Shoes

Understanding your unique circumstances and goals - so our advice is practical, personal, and never given in a vacuum.

Transparency & Communication

We speak your language. That means plain, clear advice - what’s happening, why it matters, and what comes next.

50+

Australian Based Team

4,000+

Matters Expertly Handled

10+

Awards & Industry Recognition

Our Process

Book Meeting
Fill in the contact form below or call our office to book an initial consult. You can choose between in-person or video conference.
Get Advice 
You’ll discuss your situation in depth with a senior lawyer. This includes exploring your requirements, goals, and desired outcomes. You’ll walk away from this meeting with a clear understanding of the next steps.
Achieve Outcomes 
Our legal team will work tirelessly to achieve your desired objectives. We work hard, communicate regularly, and pride ourselves on delivering results.

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Take the First Step Today

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Book an initial consult with our expert legal team and get clear answers about your situation.

Transparent quotes (no ‘bill shock’)
Rapid response
Award winning team

Andrew Henshaw

Managing Director

Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)

Our Directors

Managing Director

Andrew Henshaw

Director

Demian Walton

Director

Greg Thomas

Director

Jennifer Maher

Director

Jess Hill

Director

Rajan Verma

Director

Seamus Ryan

Director

Shannon Hilton

What is Child Support and How Can I Apply for It?

Child support is financial support paid by one parent to the other parent, or in some cases to a non-parent carer, to help meet the costs of raising a child after separation. The money is intended to contribute to the costs of raising the child, including food, childcare, transport, and school uniforms.

Child support is generally payable until a child turns 18, although it may continue in limited circumstances, such as where the child is completing secondary school. Separate adult child maintenance orders may also be available through the Court in some circumstances, including where a child over 18 requires financial support because they are completing education or because of a mental or physical disability.

Both parents are responsible for financially supporting their children. Parents may enter into a private child support agreement or apply to Services Australia for an administrative assessment; however, depending on the nature of the relationship breakdown, a private agreement is not always practical.

Applications for child support can be made by a parent or, in certain circumstances, by a non-parent carer through Services Australia. Applicants must provide details about the child’s parentage and relevant income information.

What Happens if a Parent Doesn’t Pay Child Support?

Failure to pay child support contributions assessed or registered with Services Australia can result in enforcement action, including:

Services Australia may collect unpaid child support directly from wages, bank accounts, or other income sources.
Tax refunds may be intercepted and applied toward outstanding child support debts.
Services Australia may initiate court proceedings to recover unpaid child support, which can include enforcement against assets or property.
A Departure Prohibition Order may be issued to prevent overseas travel where significant arrears exist.
Late payment penalties may be applied to outstanding child support liabilities.

A parent may apply to Services Australia for a change of assessment if special circumstances apply, including where financial circumstances change. Child support agreements may also be able to be varied, terminated or replaced, depending on whether the agreement is limited or binding and the circumstances that apply. It is generally better to address any payment difficulties early rather than allowing arrears and penalties to accumulate. A parent could also seek advice from a child support lawyer, who can advise on their rights, responsibilities, and options.

How Can a Child Support Lawyer Help?

Our child support lawyers in Melbourne know how difficult it can be to move on from a relationship breakdown, especially when there are children involved. They can advise parents and carers who are considering applying for child support or have already started the process.

We can also help:

Negotiate and formalise private child support agreements, including limited or binding child support agreements.
Advise a parent or non-parent carer on child support applications and responses.
Advise on child support issues involving a parent living overseas, including communication with the other parent’s lawyer where appropriate.
Advise on enforcement options, including administrative enforcement through Services Australia or court proceedings where appropriate.

If you are planning on applying for child support or your ex isn’t paying the assessed child support, contact us for advice and representation from experienced child support lawyers in Melbourne. Get in touch with the team at Velocity Legal to discuss your options. Read Less

Frequently Asked Questions

What is child support?

Child support refers to financial contributions made by one parent to assist with the costs of raising a child following separation or changes in family circumstances. It reflects the shared responsibility of parents to contribute to a child’s everyday needs and wellbeing.

How are child support arrangements usually put in place?

Child support arrangements can be agreed between parents, assessed through Services Australia, or formalised through written agreements. The way arrangements are established often depends on the level of agreement between parents and their individual circumstances.

Can child support arrangements change over time?

Yes. Child support arrangements may be reviewed where circumstances change, such as income, care arrangements, or a child’s needs. Reviews can also arise where payments become difficult to maintain or existing arrangements no longer reflect the current situation.

What happens if child support is not paid?

Where child support is unpaid, steps may be taken to recover outstanding amounts through formal processes. Understanding how enforcement works and what options are available can be important where payment issues arise.

Take the First
Step Today

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Book an initial consult with our expert legal team and get clear answers about your situation.

Transparent quotes (no ‘bill shock’)
Rapid response
Award winning team

Book Consult

4.9

85 Google Reviews

Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)