Laslett and Laslett (Child support)

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) considered the dispute between the parties, referred to as Laslett and Laslett, concerning the percentage of care arrangements for their child. The primary issue was whether there had been a change to the likely pattern of care that warranted the revocation of existing percentage of care determinations and the making of new ones. The applicant sought to have the decision under review varied, with a particular focus on the date of effect for any revised arrangements.

The Tribunal was required to determine whether the evidence presented established a change in the likely pattern of care for the child. This involved assessing whether the existing percentage of care determinations accurately reflected the current or foreseeable care arrangements, and if not, what the appropriate revised percentage should be. A further consideration was whether there were any special circumstances that would permit the objection to be lodged outside the prescribed time limits.

The Tribunal found that the evidence did not support a change to the likely pattern of care. It reasoned that the existing determinations remained appropriate and that no new circumstances had arisen that would justify their revocation or amendment. Consequently, the Tribunal concluded that there were no special circumstances that prevented the objection from being lodged within the required timeframe.

The Tribunal affirmed the original decision, meaning the existing percentage of care determinations were upheld.