Stenhouse and Child Support Registrar (Child support)

This matter concerned an appeal to the Federal Circuit Court of Australia regarding a decision by the Child Support Registrar concerning the percentage of care for a child. The appellant, Stenhouse, sought to challenge the Registrar's determination of the likely pattern of care, which had been made in accordance with the provisions of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth).

The central legal issue before the Court was whether the Registrar had erred in determining that the child’s care was equally shared between the parties. This determination had significant implications for the assessment of child support obligations. The Court was required to consider the evidence presented and apply the relevant legislative framework to ascertain the correct percentage of care.

The Court affirmed the Registrar's decision, finding that the evidence supported a finding of equally shared care. The Court applied the principles of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988*, which requires an assessment of the *likely* pattern of care. In this instance, the Court was satisfied that the established pattern of care demonstrated an equal division of responsibility for the child's daily needs and overall well-being, justifying the Registrar's assessment.