Role of the Family Courts
The child support legislation allows parents to apply directly to a court with family
law jurisdiction on a limited range of matters.
These courts are - the Family Court of Australia, the Federal Magistrates Court,
the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory, the Family Court of Western Australia,
and courts of summary jurisdiction in each state.
While the courts have a limited role in child support matters, they can handle certain
appeals from the Social Security Appeals Tribunal. They can make orders to enforce
payment of child support arrears and orders for child support to be refunded where
the payer of child support is not liable. The court can also make orders for
parentage testing and child maintenance.
For more information about child support and the courts go to
The Guide.