Kinchen and Kinchen (Child support)

This matter concerned an appeal by the father, Mr Kinchen, against a decision of the Child Support Registrar. The dispute centred on the percentage of care provided by each parent for their two children, which directly impacts the child support payable. The Registrar had previously revoked existing percentage of care determinations and made new ones, a decision the father sought to have overturned.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether there had been a change in the likely pattern of care for the children since the last determination, such that the Registrar was justified in revoking the existing percentages and making new ones. This required the court to consider the evidence presented regarding the actual care arrangements and the projected future care arrangements for the children.

Her Honour Magistrate Webb affirmed the Registrar's decision, finding that the evidence demonstrated a significant and likely ongoing change in the pattern of care. The court applied the principles of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988*, which permit the revocation and redetermination of care percentages where a change in the likely pattern of care is established. The Magistrate was satisfied that the new arrangements reflected the reality of the children's living situation and were likely to continue.