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The schemeCSA's plain English law & policy guide
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How child support works
Options available
There are a number of different ways to calculate the child support payable
depending on your circumstances.
The formula
All child support assessments are worked out using a basic formula.
Care arrangements
CSA bases your child support assessment on the care arrangements between the
parents-that is how much time the children spend with you and the paying
parent.
Proof of parentage
Before an application for child support is accepted, CSA must be satisfied that
the person you name as the paying parent is the natural or adoptive parent of
the child or the children involved.
Income used in an assessment
The child support income amount is used in the formula to calculate the amount
of child support payable.
Child/ren over 18
Child support applies until your child turns 18 years old. However, the
assessment may be extended in some circumstances.
