The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.N.30 Non-custodial parent, liable parent

Definition

Before the Family Law Reform changes in 1996, a non-custodial parent, also known as a liable parent, was a parent who had to pay child support to the custodian (1.1.C.60) of a child. The parent had to be the child's natural or adoptive parent. The term non-resident parent was also used to describe such a person prior to 1 July 2008.

The appropriate term is now 'payer' (1.1.P.72).

Policy reference: FA Guide 3.1.5 Maintenance action test for FTB Part A, 3.1.6 Child support assessments & agreements, 3.1.7 Maintenance income test

Last reviewed: