Divorce Guide

Child support for Parents or children residing outside Australia

Australia has made some changes regarding support in the year 2000. These changes are regarding Australia’s international maintenance arrangements which include obligations due to parentage, marriage, family relationships, etc. The changes simplify the progress of arrangements from court based processes to the maintenance cases abroad. It has also put greater responsibility on the Child support Agencies (CSA).

Role of CSA in arrangements made for child support

The CSA is basically responsible for child support related arrangements. It makes assessments of child support even if the parent lives overseas. For this, basically the parent should be a resident of Australia. It also acknowledges the applications of child support from a payee parent when the transactions are made from the Authorities overseas. CSA accepts the application of the child support assessment made directly by the non care taker parent if the applicant is a resident of any reciprocating jurisdiction (listed in schedule 2 of the regulation). The agency also transmits the application for any change of liability of child support from overseas parent. The CSA can assist the authorities overseas and make any changes in the liability made there. The CSA registers and enforces the following:

1. An overseas child maintenance assessment
2. Child support order
3. Reimbursement liability
4. Maintenance agreement
5. Any child support arrears that have accumulated under overseas support liability

Actions by the overseas authority regarding child support

There are certain things an overseas authority needs to do with reference to child support payments made from that place.

1. Make an application to CAS on behalf of the non care taker parent
2. Take the prescribed action

The overseas authority can apply for registration of child support liabilities in aid of the payee parent. This is so if the overseas authority has paid the parent and is seeking reimbursement from the Australian government. This is with reference to the international maintenance arrangement of registration and collection.

CSA and child support overseas:

CSA helps the authorities with things like locating customers, serving the notices, collecting the support, etc. The agency makes enquiries about any issues and administrative procedures of liabilities of child support overseas. The CSA helps any Australian parent for any transfers of notifications or any objections overseas.

CSA acknowledges the assessment of the child support from the parent if the parent is a citizen of Australia or is a resident when the application is made. The application is also accepted if the non caretaker parent or a care taker parent is a resident of reciprocating jurisdiction. A liability of international child maintenance is made by the CSA where ever possible. The jurisdiction where the child support paying parent resides is actually responsible for collection of the child support amounts. The parent should also be assisted to get reasonable assistance while dealing with overseas power.

Divorce Advice for Australians
Child Custody in Australia
Child Support in Australia
Divorce Laws in Australia
Divorce & Legal Assistance in Australia
Divorce Rights in Australia
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No Fault Divorce in Australia
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