The FA012 form is an important document for family law matters in Australia. According to Services Australia, You should use Form FA012 (Details of your child’s care arrangements) when you need to notify Centrelink about changes in your child’s care arrangements, particularly if you receive Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A. For this reason, we also refer to the form as the “Details of your child’s care arrangements” form.
Child support payments are closely linked with Family Tax Benefits. If the circumstances around care arrangements for a child changes, it is necessary to notify Services Australia as this can affect child support and FTB payments.
Parties use FA012 form when they are applying for, or receiving Family Tax Benefit or Child Care Subsidy, and if the children spend time with someone other than them or their current partner. The evidence required for this form may vary depending on the specific care arrangement being assessed by Centrelink.
To download the form, visit the Services Australia website using the link below:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/fa012
How to Fill Out the FA012 Form?
Filling out your child’s care arrangements form may seem daunting at first, but it’s actually a fairly straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it:
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before you start filling out the form, make sure you have all the necessary information on hand. This includes:
- Personal and contact information for both parents, including full names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.
- Details of the dependent child(ren) in your care who spend time with someone other than your current partner, including their names, dates of birth, and living arrangements. This may include information about your child’s custody or care arrangement, visitation schedules, and any functional needs the child may have.
It is also useful to keep the following supplemental information handy:
- Financial information for both parents, including income details and any relevant expenses. This may include information about each parent’s salary or wages, as well as any other sources of income such as rental properties or investments. This way, the parents may also see if they are eligible for a child care benefit or receiving family tax benefit.
- Details about any child support payments that are ongoing, including the amount and frequency of payments.
- Information about any child care costs, medical expenses, or other relevant expenses that may need to be considered in the child support assessment.
- Details about any changes in circumstances that may have affected the parents’ ability to pay or receive child support, such as changes in income or living arrangements.
- Supporting documentation, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or receipts for expenses.
Step 2: Fill Out the Form
Start by filling out the personal and contact information sections of the form. Be sure to double-check that you’ve entered everything correctly, as errors or omissions could delay the assessment process. Next, move on to the details about the child or children involved.
To fill in this form digitally you will need a computer and Adobe Acrobat Reader, or a similar program. You can download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free online. If your file has been converted to PDF format and is still larger than 5mb you will not be able to lodge the document online. Make sure to also double check your electronic signatures
Step 3: Submit the Form
Once you’ve completed the form, you’ll need to submit it to Services Australia. You can do this by mail, fax, or online through the website. Make sure to include any supporting documentation, such as pay stubs or receipts for expenses.
Why Is the FA012 Form Important?
The FA012 form is an important tool for ensuring that Services Australia has updated information about your child’s care arrangements. This affects financial support payments that are important to ensure the child’s development and well-being.
How Can Family Lawyers Help?
Family lawyers can be invaluable resources when it comes to filling out the FA012 form and navigating the child support system in Australia. Here are some ways that a family lawyer can help:
- Providing guidance and advice: Our family lawyers can help parents understand their rights and obligations when it comes to child care arrangements and child support, and they can provide guidance on how to fill out the FA012 form correctly. They can also help parents understand the child support assessment process and what to expect.
- Assisting with negotiations: If there are disputes or disagreements between parents about child support, JB family lawyers can help facilitate negotiations and work towards a resolution that is fair and reasonable for both parties.
- Representing parents in court: In some cases, parties may need to resolve child support disputes in court. Our leading family law solicitors can represent parents in these proceedings and advocate on their behalf.
- Providing ongoing support: Even after the child support assessment is complete, our team can continue to provide support and advice as needed. We can help parents navigate any changes in circumstances that may affect the child support arrangement. Additionally, we can assist with any disputes or issues that may arise.
Importance of Seeking Legal Advice
Ultimately, the FA012 form is an important tool for ensuring that children receive the financial support they need to thrive, and for helping parents navigate the complexities of the family law system in Australia. If you’re in a situation where you need to apply for child support or reassess your child’s care arrangements, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice.
We at JB Solicitors can support parents who are in a high-conflict relationship or who are disputing over matters related to their children. Our team of family lawyers can help facilitate negotiations and work towards a resolution that is fair and reasonable for both parties. Our mediation and arbitration services can help disputed parties reach an amicable resolution in their family law matter.
Contact us today if you need legal advice in relation to child care arrangements.
