Child Custody and Child Support Lawyers Revesby, South West Sydney

Child Custody and Child Support Solicitors, Revesby

When a couple separates, the issues surrounding the care and custody of the children is one of the most important factors to consider. Child support is a payment by one of the parents to assist with the financial upbringing of the child after the parties have separated. Parents have a legal responsibility to financially support their children regardless of the contact arrangements that are in place. The Child Support Agency are the government body that deals with these payments. Another important issue when a party separates is in relation to the custody arrangements relating to any children. The courts primary concern is for the welfare of the children involved when a couple separates. Our qualified family lawyers can assist and guide you in relation to the care and support of your children. We will ensure that the process is as stress-free as possible as well as making sure the children are not detrimentally affected by the process. Do not delay and contact us today.

Child Custody

The courts encourage the separating parents to come to an amicable arrangement in relation to the custody of their children. The best interests of the children are paramount and the use of the legal system should be as a last resort. The courts encourage the use of mediation and negotiation to resolve who the children reside with and what contact they have with both parents. It is generally regarded that it is in the best interests of children to know and have contact with both parents as well as other significant parties, such as grandparents. As well as usual contact, issues relating to contact during school holidays and special occasions (birthdays, religious holidays etc) also need to be discussed and agreed. The parties can agree a parenting plan in relation to the arrangements relating to the children- this is not legally enforceable but if amicably agreed these can be very effective and are often more likely to be adhered to. Alternatively, the courts can formalise an agreement as a consent order if they believe it is in the best interests of the child.

Child Support

Child support is administered by the Department of Human Services and they decide the level of financial support that is needed to adequately cover the requirements of a child. The primary carer of the child can claim for child support from the other parent. Child support calculations are based on:

The income of both parents.
How many children are being supported.
The living arrangements of the children including the level of care given by both parents.

What happens if we can’t agree on child support?

When a child support assessment has been made and the paying parent does not agree with the assessment, there is the possibility to either challenge the decision with the Child Support Agency or appeal the decision through the courts. If the relevant party refuses to pay, the Child Support Agency will attempt negotiations before using methods to force payment, such as garnishing wages.

As an alternative to applying to the Child Support Agency for an assessment, both parents can also enter into an agreement between themselves on how child support will be paid. It is possible to then register the agreement with the Child Support Agency which makes arrangement enforceable.

Contact our expert family lawyers in Revesby, NSW

At Bateys, we can offer you a friendly environment in which we can provide you with professional and jargon-free legal advice in relation to your children’s custody and financial arrangements. Our qualified family law solicitors will ensure that all legal issues surrounding your particular circumstance are meticulously handled. We can also assist in negotiations and relevant orders to formalise parts of your relationship where necessary.