Huxtable and Huxtable (Child support)

The case of *Huxtable and Huxtable* concerned a dispute over the percentage of care arrangements for a child. The applicant sought to have the existing percentage of care determinations revoked and new determinations made, alleging a change in the likely pattern of care. The matter was heard by S De Bono SM.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether there had been a change to the likely pattern of care for the child, which would justify revoking existing percentage of care determinations and making new ones. The court was required to assess the evidence presented by both parties regarding the actual care arrangements and the anticipated future care arrangements for the child.

The court considered the provisions of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* relating to changes in care arrangements. It analysed the evidence to determine if the established pattern of care had altered to a degree that warranted a reassessment of the percentage of care. The court applied the principles governing the determination of care percentages, focusing on the factual circumstances presented and the legislative requirements for making such changes.

Following its assessment, the court found that there had been a change to the likely pattern of care. Consequently, the existing percentage of care determinations were revoked, and new determinations were made. The decision under review was set aside and substituted with the court's new determinations.