private financial agreement for child support

Hello lovely ladies

I am new to this forum, but have heard such wonderful things and know it provides great support to so many mums (and of course, dads).

I am primary care giver to my 12 month old son. His father lives abroad and we have gone through the long process of establishing where we are today - he has requested financial information from me because he wants to enter a private financial arrangement for child support (finally!) - this comes after accepting an enormous new job paying over $600K per annum!

The details:

1. we were never married
2. he has 3 dependants from previous relationship
3. he has not contributed any money since my son was born
4. I registered with CSA in April 2008 to obtain child support payments (and was rejected until proof of parentage was established these last few weeks - I need to notify them again now)
5. my (Legal Aid) solicitor has asked me to fill in a 'form' which will act as the basis of a letter she will draft to his solicitor, requesting a certain amount per month in payments
6. I am unemployed and receive Centrelink payments (FTB and Pension)

I would like to speak with someone about what we're entitled to. What should I ask for? Should I aim high (assuming he will aim low)? I am aware that there is a calulator on the Centrelink website which spits out a figure based on my income/his income/any dependants, but I think this is so much lower than anyone can really survive off. And given he is earning a bucketload now, he can afford to at least give his son the best start to life.

My idea is to request he pays for all schooling and associated costs (i.e.: fees, uniforms, books etc.) as well as a monthly maintenance payment.

As I am currently unable to work, I have been forced to live with my mother to save accommodation costs. She has suffered a major injury and is unable to offer financial support or help looking after bubs, so there is the added expense of trying to get him into child care 1-2 days per week for his benefit.

I think I should go for gold and request that all money be transferred directly to my son's bank account (which I opened when he was born, and have managed to save a small amount on the little money I receive from our Government - don't get me wrong, I am grateful I live in a country where we are lucky enough to receive payments). I don't want to short-change my son, as this is about his future. My solicitor said that she will request some inflation costs per year on top of whatever I ask for.

Please help with personal and professional advice as the clock is ticking...

Cheers :wall: