Munson and Munson (Child support)

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) considered the dispute between the parties, referred to as Munson and Munson, concerning the percentage of care arrangements for their child. The core of the disagreement revolved around whether there had been a change to the likely pattern of care, which would necessitate a review and potential alteration of existing child support percentage of care determinations.

The Tribunal was required to determine whether the existing percentage of care determinations should be revoked and new determinations made. Furthermore, the AAT had to consider the appropriate date of effect for any revised determinations. A related issue was whether there were any special circumstances that prevented one of the parties from lodging an objection within the prescribed time limits.

In its reasoning, the Tribunal found that there were no special circumstances that excused the late lodgement of the objection. Consequently, the Tribunal set aside the original decision and substituted its own, making new percentage of care determinations. The Tribunal's decision was based on its assessment of the evidence presented regarding the pattern of care.