Child Support After 18 Australia 2026 | When Does It Stop?
Your child is turning 18—does child support automatically stop? Not always. Australian law extends child support if your child is still in secondary school. Here's exactly when payments end, what happens with university, and how to handle the transition without surprises.
When Does Child Support End in Australia?
Child support in Australia ends when the child turns 18, or at the end of the school year if they turn 18 while still in full-time secondary education. Payments can also end earlier if the child marries, enters a de facto relationship, or is adopted. For children with disabilities or those in tertiary education, adult child maintenance may be available through the Family Court, not Services Australia.
No. The law requires both conditions: your child must turn 18 AND finish Year 12. Whichever happens later determines when support ends. If your child is still enrolled in secondary school when they turn 18, payments continue until they complete Year 12—but only within the same calendar year they turned 18.
Does child support automatically stop at 18 in Australia?
The end date depends on your child's education status at age 18:
Standard child support does NOT cover tertiary education. Once your child finishes Year 12 (or turns 18 if they've already finished), the legal obligation ends—even if they're enrolled in university or TAFE. Parents who want to continue financial support must create a voluntary router.push('/blog/binding-child-support-agreement')} > binding child support agreement
When Does Child Support End?
Yes. Parents can create a private agreement (Binding Child Support Agreement) to continue financial support during university. This is voluntary and must be formalized:
If your child has a disability that prevents them from being self-supporting, child support can continue indefinitely as "adult child maintenance." Learn more about router.push('/blog/adult-disabled-child-maintenance')} > adult disabled child maintenance
What About University or TAFE?
Adult child maintenance is assessed differently than standard child support. It considers the child's care needs, disability support payments, and both parents' capacity to contribute.
Adult Child Maintenance (Disability Exception)
How to Prepare for Child Support Ending
Common Mistakes When Child Support Ends
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does child support automatically stop at 18 in Australia?
No. Child support continues until the child turns 18 AND finishes secondary school (Year 12), whichever is later. If your child is still in Year 12 at 18, payments continue until they complete Year 12 in the same calendar year.
Can child support continue after 18 if my child goes to university?
No. Standard child support ends when the child finishes Year 12 or turns 18 (whichever is later). University students are not covered. However, parents can negotiate private agreements for tertiary education costs, or apply for adult child maintenance if the child has a disability.
What happens if my child drops out of school before 18?
Child support continues until they turn 18, even if they leave school early. The 'secondary school' extension only applies if they're still enrolled at 18. If they drop out at 16, payments continue until 18.
Can I be forced to pay for my child's university?
No. Once child support ends (at 18 or when they finish Year 12), you cannot be forced to pay for tertiary education. However, you can voluntarily agree to contribute through a Binding Child Support Agreement.
What if my child has a disability?
If your child has a disability that prevents them from being self-supporting, you can apply for adult child maintenance. This must be done before they turn 18 (or within 12 months). Adult child maintenance can continue indefinitely.
Calculate Your Child Support
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