Bimson and Bimson (Child support)

This matter concerned an appeal by the father, Mr Bimson, against a decision of the Child Support Registrar regarding the percentage of care for the parties' child. The dispute centred on whether there had been a change to the likely pattern of care for the child, which would necessitate the application of an interim period for the assessment of child support. The appeal was heard by the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.

The primary legal issue before the court was to determine whether the Registrar had erred in applying an interim period to the child support assessment. This involved considering whether the evidence established a change in the likely pattern of care for the child and, if so, the appropriate end date for that interim period. The court was required to assess whether the Registrar's decision was affected by an error of law or fact.

In reaching its decision, the court reviewed the evidence presented regarding the care arrangements for the child. It considered the provisions of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth) concerning changes to the pattern of care and the application of interim periods. The court found that the Registrar had correctly applied the relevant legislative provisions and that there was sufficient evidence to support the conclusion that a change in the likely pattern of care had occurred. The court affirmed the Registrar's decision regarding the end date of the interim period.