Reynell and Talbot (Child support)

This matter concerned an appeal by Reynell against a decision of the Child Support Registrar concerning the percentage of care for the parties' child. Reynell sought to have the percentage of care varied, arguing that there had been a change to the likely pattern of care.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether the Registrar’s decision to revoke existing percentage of care determinations and make new ones was correct. This required the court to consider whether there had been a change to the likely pattern of care and, consequently, whether there would be a change to the cost percentage.

The court affirmed the Registrar's decision, finding that the evidence supported a change in the likely pattern of care. The court applied the principles governing the assessment of percentage of care under the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988*, focusing on the factual circumstances of the child's living arrangements and the likelihood of those arrangements continuing. The court was satisfied that the existing determinations were no longer reflective of the actual care arrangements.