What is the purpose of child support?

Child support is designed to ensure that both parents contribute financially to support their child’s upbringing, even if their relationship has ended.

Child support payments are intended to cover the everyday living expenses of a child. These expenses typically include: food, housing, clothing, childcare, educational expenses, and transport.

The contribution of child maintenance supports the parent with primary care to meet the child’s daily needs and expenses.

The primary carer of the child has the discretion to decide how those funds are used.