Child Support and Maintenance Lawyers Melbourne 

Child support and maintenance arrangements have ongoing financial implications for both parties. Getting the right legal advice from the outset ensures the arrangements in place are accurate, fair, and properly documented. Whether you are applying for the first time, disputing an assessment, or seeking to formalise an agreement, we give you clear, accurate advice based on your actual circumstances. 

Is This the Right Service for You? 

You may need child support or maintenance advice if: 

• You have recently separated and need to understand your child support rights and obligations 

• You believe your current child support assessment does not reflect the true financial position of the other parent 

• You want to enter into a binding child support agreement rather than relying on the Services Australia formula 

• The other parent is reducing their visible income to minimise their child support assessment 

• You need to apply for or defend a spousal maintenance claim after separation 

• You are a parent of an adult child with a disability or in full-time education who requires ongoing financial support 

• Your child support or maintenance arrangements need to be reviewed following a significant change in circumstances 

Our Child Support and Maintenance Services 

Child support advice: We explain how the Services Australia formula assessment works, what it is likely to produce in your specific circumstances, and what options are available to you. 

Binding child support agreements: We draft and review binding child support agreements under section 80C of the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 for parents who want to fix their arrangements outside the formula assessment. Both parties must receive independent legal advice before signing. 

Change of assessment applications: Where the formula assessment is producing an unfair result because of hidden income, company structures, trusts, or other special circumstances, we advise on and prepare change of assessment applications to Services Australia or the court. 

Limited child support agreements: We assist parents in entering into limited child support agreements where flexibility is needed and both parties are in agreement on the arrangements. 

Spousal maintenance: We advise on entitlement to spousal maintenance, prepare applications, and represent clients in negotiations and contested proceedings before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. 

Enforcement: Where child support or maintenance is not being paid, we advise on the enforcement options available, including registration with Services Australia and court-based enforcement mechanisms. 

What to Expect When You Work With Us 

Step 1: Tell us your situation.  

You speak with one of our lawyers about your income, your care arrangements, and what is happening with child support or maintenance. We give you an honest picture of what the law is likely to produce and where the issues are. 

Step 2: We identify the right approach.  

Depending on your circumstances, that may mean reviewing an existing assessment, preparing a change of assessment application, drafting a binding agreement, or commencing maintenance proceedings. We explain each option and its likely outcome before you commit. 

Step 3: We act on your behalf.  

We prepare the relevant applications, agreements or court documents, liaise with Services Australia or the other party's lawyer, and represent you at any hearings or conferences required. 

Step 4: You have arrangements that work.

Once your child support or maintenance arrangements are in place, both parties know their obligations. We advise you on what to do if circumstances change and how to enforce the arrangements if they are not being followed. 

Why Choose Family Lawyer AU for Child Support and Maintenance? 

No Hidden Fees

You receive a written cost estimate before we begin any work. No hidden fees, no bill shock, and no ambiguity about what you are paying for. 

Nationwide Services

We work with clients across every state and territory in Australia. Whether you are in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, or anywhere in between, consultations are available by phone and video.

Personalised and Strategic Advice

Every client comes to us with a different income position, different care arrangements, and different financial pressures. We give you advice built around your specific circumstances. 

Costs and Timeframes 

The cost of child support and maintenance advice depends on the complexity of your circumstances and what action is required. Reviewing your current assessment and advising on your options is typically straightforward. Preparing a binding child support agreement or a change of assessment application involves more work, and we provide a written estimate before we begin. 

Spousal maintenance proceedings vary significantly in cost depending on whether the matter resolves by agreement or requires a court hearing. Time limits apply — applications for spousal maintenance must be made within 12 months of a divorce order becoming final for married couples, and within two years of separation for de facto couples. 

Call 1300 717 173 or book online for a cost estimate based on your specific circumstances. 

Related Services 

Children and Parenting — Parenting arrangements, consent orders and parenting order applications. 

Property and Financial Settlements — Dividing assets and liabilities after separation by agreement or through the courts. 

Spousal Maintenance — Ongoing financial support obligations between former partners after separation. 

Divorce — The formal legal process for ending a marriage under Australian law. 

De Facto Relationships — Financial and parenting rights for couples separating without having married. 

Speak With a Child Support and Maintenance Lawyer Today 

Child support and maintenance decisions affect your household budget every month. Getting the right advice early avoids disputes and protects your financial position. 

We are based at Level 45, 600 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Consultations are available in person, by phone, and by video.

Call 1300 717 173 or book online. All enquiries are confidential.