Child birth expenses

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    You may be able to claim for some living and medical expenses from your child’s father during and after childbirth.

    If you want to make a claim for childbirth expenses, get legal advice.

    If you’re the father of the child and someone has made a claim against you for childbirth expenses, get legal advice.

    A mother is entitled to get financial support (childbirth maintenance) from the child’s father for some living and medical expenses from 2 months before a child is born until 3 months after the birth.

    A mother is also entitled to childbirth maintenance if she had to stop working early in the pregnancy due to a medical condition. In this case, the entitlement starts from the day she stops working.

    If the child is stillborn or dies during childbirth, then the mother can claim some expenses for the child’s funeral. If the mother dies and the death is a result of the pregnancy or birth the mother’s family can make a claim for some funeral expenses.

    If you want to make a claim for childbirth expenses, you should keep receipts and other documents to support and prove your claim. Get legal advice.

    Get legal advice if you’re the father of the child and someone has made a claim against you.

    Do I need legal advice?

    You may need legal advice if:

    • you want to make a claim for childbirth expenses
    • someone has made a claim against you for childbirth expenses.

    Get legal advice

    We can give legal advice about child support matters.

    The following organisations may be able to give legal advice.

    Gold Coast Legal Service gives legal advice on child support.

    Queensland Law Society can refer you to a specialist private lawyer for advice or representation.

    Disclaimer: This content is for general purposes only and not legal advice. If you have a legal problem, please contact us or speak to a lawyer. View our full disclaimer.

    Last updated 3 February 2023