Frequently Asked Questions

An advisory service provides expert guidance on child support matters through administrative channels — such as objections, reviews, and agreements — without representing you in court. This means significantly lower costs while still accessing deep specialist knowledge. If your matter requires court representation, we can refer you to an appropriate legal practitioner.

Your initial consultation is free and without obligation. If you decide to proceed, our fees are typically around one-third of what a fully licensed child support lawyer would charge. We provide a clear cost estimate before any paid work begins.

In most cases, no. The majority of child support matters in Australia are resolved through administrative processes — internal reviews with Services Australia, binding agreements between parents, and tribunal hearings. An experienced consultant can guide you through these processes effectively without the expense of legal representation.

Yes. We provide services to clients throughout Australia via phone and video consultation. Child support is governed by federal legislation, so the same rules apply regardless of which state or territory you live in.

A binding child support agreement is a private arrangement between parents that replaces the standard Services Australia assessment. Once properly executed, it is legally enforceable and can only be set aside in limited circumstances. It allows parents to agree on different payment amounts, non-cash benefits, or lump-sum arrangements.

A change of assessment (also called a Reason 8 application) allows you to ask Services Australia to depart from the standard formula if special circumstances exist — for example, if a parent has high costs of contact with a child, if income has been diverted, or if the assessment does not reflect the true financial position.

An internal review (objection) with Services Australia typically takes 8 to 12 weeks. An Administrative Review Tribunal hearing can take several months from lodgement to decision. We help ensure your application is thorough and well-prepared to avoid unnecessary delays.

Services Australia has extensive enforcement powers, including employer withholding (garnishee orders), tax refund interception, departure prohibition orders, and litigation. We can guide you through requesting enforcement action and help escalate matters that are not being pursued effectively.

Yes. Under a binding child support agreement, parents can agree to lump-sum payments — including transfers of property — in lieu of periodic payments. This can be tax-effective and provide certainty for both parties. The arrangement must be properly documented to be recognised by Services Australia.

Services Australia uses Adjusted Taxable Income (ATI), which includes taxable income, reportable fringe benefits, tax-free pensions, net investment losses, and certain other amounts. Personal Services Income (PSI) rules can also apply if income is earned through a company or trust. The rules are complex, and getting them right can significantly affect your assessment.

Absolutely. All consultations and correspondence are treated in strict confidence. We do not share your information with any third party without your express consent.

During the free initial consultation, we listen to your situation, explain your options, and recommend a course of action. There is no pressure and no obligation to proceed. If we believe you need court-based legal representation rather than advisory services, we will tell you honestly.