Graves and Graves (Child support)

The case of *Graves and Graves* concerned a dispute over the percentage of care arrangements for a child. The applicant sought to have existing percentage of care determinations revoked and new determinations made, alleging a change in the likely pattern of care. The matter came before the court for review of a decision made by the Child Support Registrar.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether there had been a change to the likely pattern of care for the child, which would justify revoking the existing percentage of care determinations and making new ones. The court was required to assess the evidence presented by the parties to determine if the established pattern of care had altered sufficiently to warrant a recalculation of child support obligations.

In reaching its decision, the court considered the evidence regarding the actual care arrangements and the intentions of the parties. The court applied the principles of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988*, focusing on the definition of "change in the likely pattern of care" and the criteria for revoking and making new percentage of care determinations. The court found that the evidence supported a change in the likely pattern of care and that the existing determinations were no longer reflective of the reality of the child's living arrangements. Consequently, the court set aside the decision under review and substituted it with new percentage of care determinations.