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.

What's new

20 March 2025 (v4.88)

The Child Support Guide is in the process of being restructured.

PageTitleDetails
-Using the Child Support GuideUpdated to reflect restructure of the Child Support Guide.
1.4.3Frequently asked questions (FAQ)New section.
3.1.3Child maintenance orders (deleted - see 9.1.1)Removed information.
3.1.4Orders for step-parents to pay child maintenance (deleted - see 9.1.2)Removed information.
3.1.5Spousal & de facto maintenance orders (deleted - see 9.1.3)Removed information.
3.1.6Court registered agreements, financial agreements & parenting plans (deleted - see 9.1.4)Removed information.
3.2Requirements of registrable court orders & court registered agreements (deleted - see 9.3)Removed chapter.
3.3Notification of court orders & court registered agreements (deleted - see 9.3.3)Removed chapter.
3.4.1Requirement to advise the Registrar of new order or affecting event (deleted - see 9.2.1)Removed information.
3.4.2New order or court registered agreement that affects a liability (deleted - see 9.2.2)Removed information.
3.4.3CPI indexation for cost of livingUpdated CPI Figures.
3.4.4Joint election to suspend collection after a change in care (deleted - see 9.2.3)Removed information.
3.4.5Suspension for unemployment (low-income non-enforcement period) (deleted - see 9.2.4)Removed information.
3.5Interpreting court orders (deleted - see 9.3.4)Removed chapter.
4Objecting, seeking a review, appealing & applying to court (deleted - see Part 10)Removed part.
5Collecting child support (deleted - see Part 7 & Part 8)Removed part.
6Administration (deleted - see Part 11)Removed part.
7.3.1.10Opting out to private collectUpdated policy.
8.1.7Election to end collection of arrearsNew page.
9Australian court orders & court registered agreementsNew part.
10Objections, external reviews & court appealsNew part.
11AdministrationNew part.