Jeffers and Garfield (Child support)

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) considered a dispute concerning the percentage of care arrangements for a child between the applicant, Jeffers, and the respondent, Garfield. The core of the disagreement revolved around whether there had been a change to the likely pattern of care that would warrant a revocation of existing percentage of care determinations and the making of new ones.

The Tribunal was required to determine whether the evidence presented demonstrated a material change in the child's living arrangements that justified altering the established percentage of care. This involved assessing the factual circumstances of the child's care and applying the relevant provisions of the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988.

In reaching its decision, the Tribunal carefully reviewed the evidence regarding the day-to-day care provided by each party. It applied the principles established for determining a change in the likely pattern of care, considering factors such as the stability of the arrangements and the child's best interests. The Tribunal found that the evidence supported a conclusion that a significant change had occurred, justifying the revocation of the previous determinations and the establishment of new percentages of care. The Tribunal affirmed the decision under review.