Dashwood and Dashwood (Child support)

The case of *Dashwood and Dashwood (Child Support)* concerned a dispute between the parents regarding the percentage of care for their child. The primary issue before the court was whether there had been a change to the likely pattern of care, particularly in light of non-compliance with existing court orders and the actions taken by each parent in response to the altered care arrangements. An interim period of 14 weeks was relevant to the assessment.

The court was required to determine whether the parent with reduced care had taken reasonable action to maintain the existing pattern of care, and conversely, whether the parent with increased care had taken reasonable action to facilitate the existing pattern of care. The central question revolved around the assessment of "reasonable action" in the context of a fluctuating and non-compliant care schedule.

The court affirmed the decision under review, finding that the circumstances did not warrant a departure from the established assessment of the percentage of care. The reasoning likely involved an analysis of the specific actions or inactions of each parent in relation to the court orders and the child's best interests, applying the relevant provisions of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* concerning changes to the pattern of care and the concept of reasonable action. The court's decision ultimately upheld the existing assessment of care percentages.