Haddox and Haddox (Child support)

The matter of *Haddox and Haddox* concerned an appeal to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia regarding child support assessments. The primary dispute revolved around the percentage of care each parent provided for their child, which directly impacts the child support payable. The appellant sought to have existing care percentage determinations revoked and new determinations made, alleging a significant change in the likely pattern of care.

The court was required to determine whether there had been a material change in the likely pattern of care since the last assessment, and if so, whether to revoke the existing care percentage determinations. Furthermore, the court had to consider what new care percentage determinations, if any, should be made based on the evidence presented regarding the child's living arrangements.

In reaching its decision, the court applied the principles of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth) concerning changes to care arrangements. The court considered evidence of the child's residence, the duration of stays with each parent, and the overall stability of the care arrangements. The court found that a significant change in the likely pattern of care had occurred, justifying the revocation of the previous determinations.

Consequently, the court set aside the previous care percentage determinations and made new determinations reflecting the altered pattern of care.