Harris and Harris (Child support)

The case of *Harris and Harris* concerned a dispute over the percentage of care arrangements for a child. The applicant, Ms. Harris, sought to have existing percentage of care determinations revoked and new determinations made, alleging a change to the likely pattern of care. The respondent, Mr. Harris, contested these claims. 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, necessitating a revocation of existing percentage of care determinations and the making of new ones. The court also had to consider whether the applicant had taken reasonable action to comply with existing court orders regarding care arrangements and the appropriate date from which any new percentage of care determination should take effect, particularly in light of an interim period.

In reaching its decision, the court considered the evidence presented regarding the actual care arrangements for the child 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 a "change in the likely pattern of care" and the requirements for revoking and making new percentage of care determinations. The court found that the applicant had taken reasonable action to comply with court orders and that a change in the likely pattern of care had occurred. Consequently, the court set aside the decision under review and substituted its own determination.