How does child support work in New Zealand?
Child support in New Zealand is administered by Inland Revenue (IR) under the Child Support Act 1991. IR uses a formula based on both parents' incomes and the amount of time each parent cares for the child to calculate a weekly child support amount. The paying parent pays IR, which passes the money to the receiving parent.
Who can apply for child support through Inland Revenue in New Zealand?
You can apply if you are the primary carer of a child under 19 who is not in a relationship and is not financially independent. You can apply whether or not you receive a benefit. If you receive a government benefit, IR may automatically apply for child support on your behalf.
How do I apply for child support in New Zealand?
You apply through myIR at ird.govt.nz or by calling Inland Revenue. You will need the other parent's full name, date of birth, IRD number if known, and the child's details. IR will then assess the amount payable and notify both parents.
How does Inland Revenue calculate the child support amount?
IR uses the administrative formula which considers both parents' taxable incomes, the number of qualifying children, the number of other children each parent supports, and the care time each parent provides. A higher income and less care time generally results in a higher child support obligation.
What can I do if I disagree with the child support assessment?
You can object to the assessment within 28 days by contacting Inland Revenue. If the objection is not resolved, you can apply to the Family Court for a departure order if you believe the formula assessment produces an unjust result due to special circumstances.
Can parents make a private agreement about child support in New Zealand?
Yes. Parents can enter into a voluntary agreement which, once registered with IR, replaces the administrative formula assessment. The agreement must meet minimum requirements and both parents must agree. Either parent can end the voluntary agreement and revert to the formula assessment.
What happens if a parent does not pay child support in New Zealand?
Inland Revenue has strong collection powers including deducting payments from salary and wages, charging penalties on overdue amounts, placing debt on the parent's credit record, and applying for a charging order over property. Persistent non-payment can result in prosecution.
Does applying for child support in New Zealand require notarization?
No. The Inland Revenue application for child support does not require notarization. It is an online or phone process and the forms are signed as ordinary administrative documents.
What can and cannot be done without a lawyer for child support in New Zealand?
Applying to IR, objecting to assessments, and entering voluntary agreements are all self-service. Family Court applications for departure orders, particularly where there are complex financial circumstances, benefit from legal advice.
How does uplaw.ai help with a child support application in New Zealand?
Tell us about your children, the care arrangements, and both parents' approximate incomes in the chat. We help you understand the formula assessment, prepare your IR application, and draft a voluntary agreement if both parents prefer a negotiated arrangement.
Free to start
Applying for child support in New Zealand? Tell uplaw.ai about your situation.
No account required. uplaw.ai helps you complete the Inland Revenue application and understand the child support formula assessment.