Enter the number of dependent children from other relationships for each parent. Split by age group: under 13 and 13 or older. These reduce assessed income.
<13
YOU
13+
<13
OTHER PARENT
13+
Enter the number of children from other child support cases for each parent. Split by age group: under 13 and 13 or older. This calculates multi-case allowances.
If you have a legal obligation to financially maintain another person (not covered by Reason 7), you may be able to have your assessment changed. This is "Reason 9" under the Child Support (Assessment) Act.
This reason is similar to Reason 7 but applies more broadly to:
- Spousal maintenance orders from a previous relationship
- Caring for elderly or disabled relatives
- Supporting adult children with disabilities
- Court-ordered obligations to maintain another person
The key is that the obligation is legally required, not just voluntary support you choose to provide.
John and Sarah's Story
John has a court order requiring him to pay spousal maintenance of $1,500 per month to his first wife, Lisa, who has a disability. This was ordered before he married Sarah and had children with her.
After separating from Sarah, John's child support is calculated on his full income without considering his existing legal obligation to support Lisa.
John applied for a Change of Assessment under Reason 9. He provided the court order for Lisa's maintenance and evidence of his payments. The Registrar reduced his child support to Sarah to account for his pre-existing legal duty to maintain Lisa.
Do you think this applies to you?
If this reason sounds like your situation, you may be eligible for a Change of Assessment. Our tool can help you identify which grounds apply to your case.
Related Information
Calculate Your Child Support
View All Special Circumstances
Browse Other Reasons
Reason 1
High Costs of Contact
Reason 2
Special Needs Care Costs
Reason 3
High Costs of Caring/Educating
Reason 4
Child's Income/Resources
Reason 5
Transferred Benefits
Reason 6
High Childcare Costs
Reason 7
Reduced Capacity - Commitments
Reason 8A
Income/Property/Resources
Reason 8B
Earning Capacity
Reason 10
Resident Child Responsibility
Frequently Asked Questions
This information is general in nature and not legal advice. Every situation is different. For advice specific to your circumstances, consider consulting with a family lawyer.