Marson and Bambra (Child support)

The matter of *Marson and Bambra (Child support)* concerned an application by the father, Mr Marson, to vary a child support assessment. The mother, Ms Bambra, opposed the application. The proceedings were heard by Magistrate K Dordevic in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether there had been a significant and ongoing change in the circumstances of either parent or the child since the last assessment of child support, which would warrant a departure from the existing assessment. The court was also required to consider whether any such change, if found, would justify a departure from the assessment under the *Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989* (Cth).

Magistrate Dordevic considered the evidence presented by both parties regarding their financial positions and the needs of the child. The court applied the principles established in the *Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989* (Cth), particularly section 44, which outlines the grounds for varying a child support assessment. The court's reasoning focused on whether the alleged changes met the threshold of being "significant and ongoing" and whether a departure from the assessment was otherwise in the best interests of the child, considering the objects of the Act.

The court ultimately found that the evidence did not establish a significant and ongoing change in circumstances that would justify a departure from the existing child support assessment. Accordingly, the father's application to vary the assessment was dismissed.