Generally, child support assessments cease to have effect when the child turns 18, however in certain cases the FCFCOA has jurisdiction to make adult child maintenance orders for children over the age of 18. The primary objective of child maintenance orders is to ensure that children have their necessary needs met based on the parent’s (or in some cases step parent’s) duty to maintain.  

Who can apply for adult child maintenance? 

An adult child maintenance order can be applied for by: 

• either both or one of the child’s parents  

• a child  

• a grandparent of the child  

• any person concerned with the welfare, care and development of the child  

When can you apply for adult child maintenance  

S66 L of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (FLA) outlines that the court can make a child maintenance order when the child has turned 18 or, for a child who is 17, to come into effect, when or after a child is 18. 

The criteria that must be met to obtain an adult child maintenance order 

The Court has discretionary powers when it comes to making adult child maintenance orders, and they will be guided by sections 66L of the Family Law Act (Cth)(FLA). This clearly sets out that a child maintenance order can only be provided to a child who is over 18 if the court is satisfied that the ‘provision of maintenance is necessary’:  

1. To enable the child to complete his or her education; or 

2. Because of a disability of the child. 

The Court has discretionary power to make adult child maintenance orders, guided by s 66L of the FLA, which limits such orders to children over 18 where the Court is satisfied that the ‘provision of maintenance is necessary’: 

1. to enable the child to complete their education; or 

2. because of a disability of the child. 

1. Education  

“Education” has been interpreted broadly and includes secondary and tertiary education, vocational courses and training. The court will often consider whether the completion of the education will assist the child in finding employment and thereby becoming more financially independent.  

Importantly, maintenance must be more than “desirable” and actually “necessary” to enable the child to complete their education for the court to make such an order.  

The factors the court will consider  

In In the Marriage of J M and K A COSGROVE (No 2) (1996) 20 Fam LR 761, Warnick J, set out a non-exhaustive list of factors which indicate towards the “reasonableness” of making a child maintenance order for education for a person over 18 years, including:  

• whether the “nexus” of dependence between the child and parents has ceased; 

• the period between initial cessation of dependence (if any) and the application; 

• whether the course of education will equip the child with employment to support himself/herself; 

• any other assistance the child receives; 

• the financial capacity of the child to maintain themselves; 

• the ability of the child to complete the course in question; 

• the financial circumstances of those persons responsible for the support of the child; and 

• the relationship between the child and the parents. 

Education fees that can be deferred through HECS-HELP will generally not be claimable, however where a student is required to pay fees upfront, such as international students who are ineligible for HECS-HELP, those fees may be considered a necessary expense and therefore claimable. 

2. Disability  

The other limb of the criteria covers both partial and total disabilities, mental and physical disabilities, as well as temporary and permanent disabilities.  

To succeed under this limb, the application must be supported by evidence from a suitably qualified practitioner that addresses both the nature of the child’s disability and its practical impact on their daily life. As well as their earning capacity, including consideration of specific types of work they may or may not be able to perform and how their disability bears on that capacity. 

Facts the court will consder to determine necessary financial support  

When determining what financial support is necessary for the maintenance of an adult child, the court may consider a range of relevant factors. These include, but are not limited to: 

• the proper needs of the child; 

• the age of the child; 

• the expectations of the parents regarding the child’s education or training; 

• any special needs the child may have; 

• any relevant findings from published research relating to the maintenance of children; and 

• the child’s income, earning capacity, property, and financial resources. This includes the child’s ability to earn or derive income, as well as any assets that are under the child’s control or held for their benefit that may not currently generate income but are capable of doing so. 

However, the court must disregard: 

• the income, earning capacity, property, and financial resources of any other person, unless the particular circumstances of the case make it appropriate to consider them; and 

• any entitlement of the child or another person to an income-tested pension, allowance, or benefit. 

When does child maintenance end? 

The requirement to pay adult child maintenance will end either when the order awarding maintenance stipulates, or when circumstances that gave rise to the order no longer exist.  

Under s 66V of the FLA, the order will also cease automatically upon the death of the adult child or payee, if they are adopted or if they marry or enter a de facto relationship. 

Orders can be varied, either by consent or court application to justify a significant change.  s66 S outlines the circumstances which may give rise to a moderation of the orders, including: 

• where there has been a change in circumstances relating to the child, the payer, the payee; or 

• the cost of living (provided at least 12 months have passed since the original order); or 

• where the amount is no longer proper or adequate; or  

• where material facts were not disclosed when the order was made. 

Seeking legal advice  

We recommend seeking independent legal advice if you or your child is eligible for adult child maintenance.  

Nicholes Family Lawyers has specialised expertise in adult child maintenance and providing tailored advice as to the considerations the court assesses when determining if adult child maintenance is ‘necessary’. Our firm can further assist in guiding our clients through the factors the court considers when determining the parties’ contribution to the maintenance of an adult child.