Child support assessment preparation checklist
Child support runs on an administrative formula based on income and care. This checklist walks through the preparation for an initial assessment or a departure application.
This is a 12-step preparation checklist for a child support assessment under the administrative formula, and for a change of assessment application where a party seeks departure from the formula.
The checklist
Confirm eligibility
Confirm the child is under 18, the parents are separated, and the Commonwealth jurisdiction applies.
Gather income evidence
Collect tax returns, notices of assessment, payslips, and business profit and loss for both parents.
Calculate care percentage
Document the pattern of care in nights per fortnight to establish the care percentage.
Run the formula
Apply the formula — combined child support income, cost of children table, and care-adjusted share.
Check adjusted taxable income
Include salary sacrifice, fringe benefits, and investment losses in the ATI calculation.
Identify departure grounds
Identify any of the 10 departure grounds — high costs, special needs, income capacity, or property transfers.
Gather departure evidence
Collect evidence supporting the departure ground — medical reports, school fees, or capacity evidence.
Check existing orders
Check for existing parenting orders or binding child support agreements that affect the assessment.
Review child support agreements
Check whether a binding or limited child support agreement is already in place.
Prepare change of assessment application
Draft the change of assessment application setting out the ground and the evidence.
Prepare objection or SSAT pathway
Prepare any objection to Services Australia or application to the Administrative Review Tribunal.
Advise client on outcomes
Advise on likely outcome, enforcement options, and impact on family tax benefit.
When this checklist applies
Use this checklist when preparing a client for an initial child support assessment, a change of assessment, or an objection.
Common pitfalls
- Ignoring fringe benefits and salary sacrifice in ATI
- Not documenting the actual care pattern vs the scheduled pattern
- Weak evidence on income capacity departure grounds
- Mixing child support with property settlement discussions
- Missing the 28-day objection deadline to Services Australia
Run this checklist on a real matter
Quillio drafts change of assessment applications and calculates the formula position. See /practice-areas/family-lawyers or start a free trial.
This checklist is a general guide. Child support intersects with Centrelink and tax — advise clients to seek specific financial advice.
Use this checklist on your matter.
Quillio can run this checklist on a specific NSW conveyancing matter — confirm each item, calculate adjustments, and generate the supporting documents. The free trial requires no credit card.
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