Rakestraw and Nordin (Child support)

This matter concerned an appeal by the applicant, Rakestraw, against a decision of the Child Support Registrar concerning the percentage of care for the parties' child. The respondent was Nordin. The dispute centred on when a change in the child's care arrangements occurred, which would impact the assessment of child support payable.

The primary legal issue before the court was to determine the date upon which the percentage of care for the child changed, thereby necessitating a revocation of existing child support assessments and the making of new ones. This involved an examination of the evidence presented regarding the practical realities of the child's living arrangements and the intentions of the parties.

The court affirmed the decision of the Child Support Registrar, finding that the evidence supported the Registrar's determination of the date of change in the child's care. The court applied the principles of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* which govern the assessment of child support based on the percentage of care provided by each parent. The court was satisfied that the Registrar had correctly identified the point at which the care arrangements had substantially and permanently changed.