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

Book Consult

4.9

73 Google Reviews

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.

Jack C

From the initial consultation to the final resolution, they provided exceptional
service and achieved an outstanding result for our case.

Wan Li

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.

Selina L

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.

Mark P

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.

Natalie F

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

Bob W

4.9

73 Google Reviews

Book Consult

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 contact form 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.

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)

We understand how important it is to carefully consider your position following the breakdown of a relationship. Our approach is personalised. We believe in tailored and regular communication with our clients regarding the progress of their matter and the implementation of effective strategies to enable our clients to move on with their lives.

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

Child support is financial contributions made by one parent to the other, who is often the primary carer of their child, after a divorce or separation. The money is to cover the costs of bringing up the child, including food, childcare, transport, and school uniforms, for example. Most parents will only be able to receive this financial support until their children turn 18. In Australia, a child over the age of 18 is eligible to continue receiving support if they have a learning or physical disability or they’re in full-time education. Read More

Both parents are legally obligated to shoulder the costs of looking after their children. Ideally, they should agree on a payment arrangement between them without having to submit an official application to the courts; however, depending on the nature of the breakup, this isn’t always possible.

Australian residents who are the legal parent, guardian, grandparent, or relative of a child or children are eligible to apply to receive child support. Applications should be made to Services Australia and include contact details and income of both parents. They will also need to provide a copy of the marriage certificate and proof that they are the parent or legal guardian of the child or children.

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

Non-payment of court-ordered child support contributions can come with hefty consequences and measures, including:

Getting a child support agency involved to claim the money directly through the parent’s bank account or salary.
Redirecting tax refunds to the primary carer who applied for child support.
Instructing payment to be collected via assets and property belonging to the parent who hasn’t paid.
Restricting overseas travel if payments haven’t been made for a long time.
Charging interest as a penalty for delayed payments.

If a parent can’t afford to make payments, they should seek advice from a child support agency to agree on a payment plan that they can adhere to easily. Child support agreements can be reviewed if circumstances change. It is always better to be upfront about any difficulties in providing payment instead of sweeping it under the carpet and being subject to strict penalties for not fulfilling parental obligations. They could also seek advice from a lawyer for child support who will be able to talk them through 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 help advise any parent who is considering applying for child support or has already started the process.

We can also help:

Negotiate terms and formalise parenting agreements.
Advise a parent or guardian on what to put in a child support application.
Liaise with a parent living overseas via their lawyer.
Draft enforcement applications if a parent has not kept their side of the agreement to pay child support.

If you are planning on applying for child support or your ex isn’t paying their share, contact us for advice and representation from the best child support lawyers in Melbourne. Get in touch with our team at Velocity Legal today! 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.