Petric and Petric (Child support)

The case of *Petric and Petric* concerned a dispute over the percentage of care for a child, which impacts child support assessments. The matter came before the court for review of a decision made under the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988*.

The central legal issue before the court was whether there had been a change to the established pattern of care for the child, notwithstanding an existing parenting order. Specifically, the court had to determine if the applicant parent had taken reasonable action to ensure compliance with the existing care arrangement.

The court found that the applicant parent had not taken reasonable action to ensure compliance with the parenting order. Consequently, it was determined that no interim determination regarding the percentage of care could be made. The court affirmed the original decision, concluding that there had been a change to the pattern of care, but not in a manner that would warrant a revised assessment based on the applicant's actions.