Disclaimer

General

The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration’s Child Maintenance Calculator is designed to give users an estimate of how much child maintenance should be paid for their child or children. The calculator is for informational purposes only and the estimate given is to support parents to agree an amount. It is not intended to be a definitive set amount which must be adhered to.

It is important to note that where a court order for maintenance is already in place, use of the calculator will not change the court-ordered amount.

The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the child maintenance estimate.

Significant additional expenses

It is important to note that significant costs related to disability, childcare, education or medical needs are not included in the calculator’s estimate. It is recommended that parents seek to agree these significant additional expenses for the child’s life separately (for example, by splitting such costs equally).

Estimate won’t guarantee payment

The calculator provides guidance on an appropriate level of child maintenance. However, you should not rely on its estimate as a guarantee of future income or payment.

Reviewing the calculations

Where the calculator is used to inform the amount of maintenance to be paid, it is recommended that the amount is reviewed annually or when there are significant changes in the circumstances of either parent or the child (income, parenting time, living arrangements, or additional needs/expenses).