Grier and Halter (Child support)

This matter concerned an appeal by Grier against a decision of the Child Support Registrar concerning the assessment of child support payable to Halter. The dispute centred on the percentage of care attributed to each party for their child, which directly impacts the child support assessment. Grier sought to have the percentage of care varied, arguing for a greater share of care.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether there had been a change in the likely future pattern of care for the child since the last assessment, or whether there were special circumstances that would justify a late objection to the existing assessment. The court was required to consider the evidence presented by both parties regarding the actual and anticipated care arrangements for the child.

The court affirmed the Registrar's decision, finding that there was no evidence to suggest a change in the likely pattern of care that would warrant a variation of the child support assessment. Furthermore, the court determined that no special circumstances existed to permit a late objection to the existing assessment. Consequently, the original assessment was upheld.