Massey and Beaton (Child support)

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) considered the dispute between Massey and Beaton concerning the percentage of care for a child. The applicant, Massey, sought to have the existing percentage of care determinations revoked and a new determination made, arguing there had been a change to the likely pattern of care.

The Tribunal was required to determine whether there had been a material change in the likely pattern of care for the child since the last percentage of care determination was made. This involved assessing whether the proposed new care arrangements were likely to be maintained for a period of at least 12 months.

The Tribunal found that the evidence presented demonstrated a significant and likely ongoing change in the pattern of care. It was satisfied that the proposed care arrangements would likely continue for at least 12 months, thereby meeting the threshold for a new percentage of care determination. Consequently, the Tribunal set aside the previous determinations and substituted a new percentage of care.