Sanders and Wakeford (Child support)

The case of *Sanders and Wakeford* concerned a dispute over the percentage of care for a child. The applicant, Ms Sanders, sought to have the existing percentage of care determinations revoked and new determinations made. The respondent, Mr Wakeford, opposed this application. The matter came before the court for review of a decision made by the Child Support Registrar.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether there had been a change to the likely pattern of care for the child, such that the existing percentage of care determinations should be revoked and new ones made. The court also considered whether the respondent had taken reasonable action to comply with court orders regarding the child's care and whether an interim period should be applied.

The court found that the existing percentage of care determinations were no longer accurate due to a significant change in the child's living arrangements. It was satisfied that the applicant had demonstrated a change to the likely pattern of care. The court also considered the respondent's actions and determined that while there had been some non-compliance with court orders, the circumstances warranted the making of new percentage of care determinations rather than simply upholding the Registrar's decision. The court applied the principles of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* concerning changes in care patterns and the Registrar's powers.

The court set aside the decision under review and substituted it with new percentage of care determinations, reflecting the changed pattern of care. An interim period was also applied to the new determinations.