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When parents get a new partner
Re-partnering and forming second families can be a significant life event. Approximately 50 per cent of mothers receiving child care payments remarry within five years of separation. This not only affects their lives and their children's lives, but the life of the other parent too. Whether it's you or the other parent who has formed another relationship, it's important not only for you but for your children, that you maintain a workable relationship with your ex.
My ex is living with their new partner. Do I still have to pay child support for our children?
Yes. Both parents are responsible for the financial support of their children. Even if the other parent's new partner has a high income, you still need to pay the same amount of child support for your children.
Re-partnering may also affect the living arrangements and care of your children, changes in care arrangements may change your child support payments.
The child support calculator may help you work out any changes to your child support.
I have a new partner now. How does that affect my child support responsibilities?
If you have a new partner, you may experience changes to:
- your financial circumstances
- your living arrangements
- the care arrangements of the children you share with the other parent
- your responsibilities.
Remember you need to contact CSA as soon as possible if your circumstances change as this may affect your assessment.
If you have a new partner, you are still responsible for paying child support. Your payments will not be reduced unless you have a child (a relevant dependant) with your new partner. See Formula to calculate child support.
Under special circumstances, your may apply for a change of assessment, if it costs you extra to maintain your new partner and/or their children.
Support and assistance
The Community Services Directory lists a variety of organisations providing information, guidance and support to parents at all stages of their relationship, including the journey into a re-partnered family. CSA also has a range of support products including Me, My kids and My Ex (PDF 836k), which can help you through this challenging time.
