Hollier and Hollier (Child support)

This matter concerned an appeal by the father, Mr Hollier, against a decision of the Child Support Registrar regarding the assessment of child support payable by him to the mother, Ms Hollier. The dispute centred on the Registrar's determination of the percentages of care for the parties' two children, which ultimately affected the child support assessment. The appeal was heard by Member S Brakespeare.

The primary legal issue before the court was to determine the likely pattern of care for the children, specifically whether the care was shared equally between the parents, as contended by the father, or if the mother had a greater percentage of care, as determined by the Registrar. This determination was crucial for establishing the correct child support assessment under the relevant legislation.

Member Brakespeare reasoned that the evidence presented indicated a pattern of care where the children spent approximately equal time with each parent. The court applied the principles of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* concerning the assessment of care percentages, focusing on the actual and likely future pattern of care. The court found that the Registrar's decision did not accurately reflect this equal sharing of care.

Consequently, the court varied the decision under review, finding that the children’s care was shared equally between the parents. This variation would lead to a revised child support assessment.