Colvin and Howorth (Child support)

This matter concerned an appeal by the father, Colvin, against a decision of the Child Support Registrar regarding the percentage of care for the parties' child. The dispute centred on the likely pattern of care from the commencement of the administrative assessment of child support. The appeal was heard by J Thomson M.

The primary legal issue before the court was to determine the correct percentage of care for the child from the date the administrative assessment commenced, considering the evidence presented by both parties. This involved assessing the factual circumstances to ascertain the actual or intended care arrangements.

J Thomson M reviewed the evidence and the Registrar's decision. The court applied the principles governing the determination of the percentage of care under the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988*, focusing on the likely pattern of care from the assessment start date. The court found that the Registrar's decision was not supported by the evidence and that a different percentage of care was appropriate.

The court set aside the decision of the Child Support Registrar and substituted its own finding regarding the percentage of care.