Stirling and Dobson

The case of Stirling and Dobson involved a dispute between the father and the mother concerning the assessment of child support for their three children. The matter was brought before the court, which was required to decide on several legal issues, including the rates of child support, the adjustment for inflation, and the additional lump sum payments for the children's school fees. The court also needed to determine the circumstances under which the lump sum payments would cease and whether they could be credited against the periodic child support payments.

The court began by setting specific rates of child support for each child, taking into account their respective ages and the statutory guidelines. It then addressed the issue of inflation adjustments, deciding that the annual rates of child support should be increased in line with variations in the consumer price index, starting from 1 January 2012. Regarding the lump sum payments for school fees, the court ordered that the father should pay these in four equal instalments each year, starting from 2011. Importantly, these lump sum payments were to be distinct from the periodic child support payments and would cease when the children either completed their secondary education or turned 18 years old.

The court also clarified that the lump sum payments for school fees should only cover the tuition fees and not any other associated costs such as uniforms, books, or optional activities. Furthermore, the court decided that the lump sum payments should not be credited against the periodic child support payments. Finally, the court varied an earlier order to require both parents to equally share the costs of the children's airfares. All other applications were dismissed, and each party was ordered to bear their own costs.