Heatcote and Marge (Child support)

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) considered the matter of Heatcote and Marge concerning a dispute over child support percentages of care. The applicant, Heatcote, sought to have existing percentages of care revoked and new percentages determined, arguing there had been a change in the likely pattern of care for the child.

The Tribunal was required to determine whether the existing percentages of care accurately reflected the likely future pattern of care for the child, and if not, what new percentages should be applied. This involved assessing the evidence presented regarding the day-to-day care arrangements and the likelihood of those arrangements continuing.

The Tribunal affirmed the decision under review, finding that the evidence supported a change in the likely pattern of care. The legal principles applied focused on the interpretation of the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988, specifically provisions relating to the determination and revocation of care percentages based on the actual and likely future care arrangements for the child. The Tribunal's reasoning considered the practical realities of the child's living arrangements and the stability of those arrangements.