Can I Still Receive Child Support if the Other Parent is Overseas?

Child support refers to the financial support available for children under the Child Support (Assessment) Act. The purpose of the support is to ensure the well-being of children is properly maintained when parents separate. Both parents are expected to pay depending on their individual circumstances. But what happens if one parent moves overseas? Are they still expected to pay child support?

The obligation to pay continues, and hopefully, an agreement can be made to make regular payments to the Australian Child Support Agency irrespective of the parent’s relocation.

However, in some cases enforcement may become the issue. The assistance of the relevant overseas government may be required. Australia has several arrangements with “reciprocating jurisdictions”. These are countries that have agreed to cooperate with enforcing the Australian child support assessment. The list includes New Zealand, the United States, the UK and many others though there are a few excluded jurisdictions.

The Child Support Agency can liaise with overseas governments who can assist in enforcing the support agreement, or possibly issue a new arrangement that is enforceable in both jurisdictions. The more information you have of the absent parent’s location, employer and family, the better. Enforcement may also depend on the specific arrangements with the overseas country involved.

Contact our Family Lawyers in Sydney, NSW

Financial uncertainty can be a matter of considerable stress. Please contact the specialist family law solicitors at Szabo & Associates Solicitors who can advise on all issues concerning child support. Call us on 02 9281 5088 or fill in our online contact form.