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Child support is payable for all children living in Australia whose parents have separated. If a child turns 18 during their last year at school then that child is eligible for child support until they complete the school year. A child who is married or living in a de facto relationship is not eligible for child support.
Usually child support requires both parents to be living in Australia, but there are arrangements with some other countries for collection and payment of child support, if one of the parents or the child is living in that country.
The Child Support Scheme covers all children living in Australia whose parents have separated. It does not matter whether the parents were ever in a relationship and it is not relevant whether a parent spends time with their child or not. There are arrangements with certain countries for the collection and payment of Child Support, if one of the parents live in that country.
If a child turns 18 during their last year at school then that child is eligible for child support until they complete the school year. A child who is married or living in a de facto relationship is not eligible for Child Support.
A child is no longer eligible when they turn 18, although they can continue to receive Child Support until the end of the school year if they are in school.
A child who is married or living in a de facto relationship is not eligible for Child Support. A child who is adopted will also no longer be eligible to receive Child Support payments.
Another exception applies where the person entitled to receive payments passes away. It is possible to specify in an order that it is to remain in force after the death of the person entitled to receive payments. The order must also specify who is to receive the payments upon the death of the person originally entitled to receive the payments.
Children who are under the care of somebody, as specified by a child welfare law, are excluded from Child Support.
Child support lasts until your children are 18. The Court may order payments after the child turns 18 for educational expense or if there is an ongoing disability. You will need to get legal advice.
Child Support payments are no longer required when a child ceases to be eligible for Child Support.