Child Support Agreements
Speak to Cudmore Legal for trusted advice on child support agreements. Our team will help you reach the right binding child support agreement.
What is a child support agreement?
A legally binding arrangement between parents outlining agreed child support terms — covering expenses like education, healthcare and living costs, and signed by both parties. Once formalised and registered with the family court, it carries the same weight as a court order.
Why establish one
It provides stability for a child's financial needs while giving parents autonomy in setting payment terms outside the Child Support Agency system, reduces disputes, offers payment certainty, and supports better financial planning and cooperative co-parenting.
Binding vs limited agreements
A Binding Child Support Agreement is a legally binding contract outlining payment terms, requiring both parents to obtain independent legal advice (with lawyers signing certificates confirming this), and doesn't require a notional assessment from the Child Support Agency — payments can range from nil to an agreed amount. A Limited Child Support Agreement is a written agreement specifying payment amount, frequency and method, requiring an existing child support assessment, not mandating independent legal advice, and must equal or exceed the administrative assessment; it's more flexible and adjustable with mutual consent. Binding agreements have stricter termination conditions.
Payment and getting an agreement
Payments are generally made as lump sums or periodic payments per the agreement's terms; if a payment default occurs, the receiving parent may request Child Support Agency collection assistance. Both parents must consent, and legal consultation is essential to ensure fairness and enforceability.