Child Support Lawyers in New Zealand
Verified NZ firms for child support. Answer a few questions to find a Family Law lawyer in minutes.
Understanding Child support and when to get legal help
Family law is a special area of law that deals with issues related to family relationships. One important part of family law is child support. This is about making sure that children receive the financial support they need from their parents, especially when the parents are separated or divorced.
What is Child Support?
Child support is money that one parent pays to the other to help cover the costs of raising their child. This can include expenses like food, clothing, school fees, and medical care. In New Zealand, both parents are responsible for supporting their children, even if they do not live together.
How Does Child Support Work in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, the Child Support Act 1991 sets out the rules for child support. The amount of money a parent has to pay is based on their income and how much time they spend with the child. For example:
- If a parent earns a good income but sees their child only a few times a year, they may have to pay more in child support.
- If a parent earns less but spends a lot of time with the child, they may pay less.
How is Child Support Calculated?
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is responsible for calculating and collecting child support payments. They use a formula that considers:
- The income of the parent who pays child support.
- The number of children that need support.
- The amount of time each parent spends with the child.
For example, if a parent earns $60,000 a year and has one child, the IRD will calculate how much they should pay based on this information.
What Happens if Payments are Not Made?
If a parent does not pay the required child support, the other parent can ask the IRD for help. The IRD can take steps to collect the money, which may include taking money directly from the paying parent’s wages or bank account.
Why is Child Support Important?
Child support is crucial because it helps ensure that children have what they need to grow up healthy and happy. It allows both parents to contribute to their child's upbringing, even if they are no longer together.
Getting Help with Child Support
If you have questions about child support or need help with your situation, it is a good idea to speak to a lawyer who specialises in family law. They can provide advice and support to help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
How to choose the right Child support lawyer
- Look for a lawyer with experience in child support cases.
- Check their understanding of New Zealand's child support laws.
- Read reviews from previous clients for insights.
- Ensure they communicate clearly and are approachable.
Verified Family Law firms
These law firms are experienced in helping Kiwis navigate Child support in Family matters.
Common questions about Child support:
What is child support?
Child support is a financial contribution from one parent to another for the upbringing of their child.
When do I need a child support lawyer?
You may need a lawyer if you're facing disputes over payments, need to establish paternity, or want to modify existing agreements.
How is child support calculated in NZ?
Child support is calculated based on the income of the paying parent and the number of children involved.
Can child support agreements be changed?
Yes, child support agreements can be reviewed and changed if there are significant changes in circumstances.
What happens if child support is not paid?
If payments are missed, you can seek legal action to enforce the agreement, including garnishing wages.