Maroun and Atiyeh (Child support)

The case of *Maroun and Atiyeh (Child support)* concerned a dispute between two parents regarding child support arrears. The liable parent had paid all household expenses, leading to a review of an initial decision. The matter came before Judicial Registrar Longo.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether unpaid amounts of child support had accrued, specifically in the context of "opt-in arrears." This required the court to determine the correct calculation and application of child support payments in light of the liable parent's contribution to household expenses.

Judicial Registrar Longo reasoned that the liable parent's payment of all household expenses effectively discharged their child support obligations, meaning no arrears had accrued. The court applied the principle that where a liable parent meets all household expenses, this can be considered as fulfilling their child support responsibilities, thereby negating the existence of unpaid amounts. Consequently, the decision under review was set aside and substituted with a finding that no child support arrears were owed.