Philbert and Piggott (Child support)

This matter concerned an appeal by Philbert against a decision of the Child Support Registrar concerning the percentage of care for two children. Philbert sought to have the Registrar's decision, which revoked existing percentage of care determinations and made new ones, set aside.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether there had been a change to the likely pattern of care for the children. This involved determining whether a parent could be considered to be caring for the children even if the children were not residing with that parent at the time.

The court affirmed the Registrar's decision, finding that the Registrar had correctly considered the evidence and applied the relevant provisions of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988*. The court reasoned that the concept of care extended beyond mere physical residence and encompassed the practical responsibilities undertaken by a parent in relation to the children's well-being. The Registrar's revocation of the existing determinations and the making of new ones were found to be justified based on the evidence of a changed pattern of care.