Child Support NZ
Child Support in New Zealand
Child support in New Zealand ensures both parents contribute financially to the care of their children when they no longer live together or share care. The system is governed by the Child Support Act 1991, which sets out specifically how child support liability is calculated and who qualifies for financial support.
Who Qualifies for Child Support in NZ?
A child qualifies for child support under New Zealand law if they meet the following criteria:
- Are under 18 years of age, or 18 and enrolled in a registered school
- Are not financially independent
- Are a New Zealand citizen or ordinarily resident here
Child support is payable when at least one parent is liable to pay and the child lives with a carer for a significant portion of the year.
How is Child Support Calculated?
Under the Child Support Act 1991, the annual amount payable is determined by a specific statutory formula. The essential formula for calculating liability is:
(Income Percentage minus Care Cost Percentage) multiplied by Child Expenditure Amount
- Income percentage: Reflects each parent’s share of the combined child support income.
- Care cost percentage: Reflects the proportion of ongoing daily care that parent provides based on nights per year.
- Child expenditure amount: Reflects the average annual cost of raising a child based on income brackets and other factors.
This formula ensures that both parents’ incomes and their specific care arrangements directly influence the amount payable.
Key Factors That Impact Your Payments
The formula assesses several critical factors to determine the final amount:
- Each parent’s taxable income after statutory allowances
- How many nights per year the child spends with each parent or carer
- The number of other dependent children
- The age group of the child
Shared Care and Nights per Year
Shared care significantly impacts child support amounts in New Zealand. The number of nights a child lives with each parent, known as care nights, determines the care cost percentage used in the calculation. Generally, the more care you provide, the lower your potential liability.
Understanding Child Support Liability
A parent becomes liable for child support from the date a properly completed application for a formula assessment is received under the Act. It is important to note that liability under a formula assessment overrides any previous voluntary agreements made for the same child.
When Does Child Support End?
Child support obligations generally cease when the child no longer qualifies under the Act. This usually occurs when the child turns 18, or if they are 18 and still attending school, when they finish the school year.
In Summary
- Child support in New Zealand is legally governed by the Child Support Act 1991.
- The amount is determined using a statutory formula based on income, shared care, and child expenditure costs.
- Care nights and income shares are the key drivers of the final cost.
- You can generate a quick estimate using our online calculator.
