Terrell and Terrell (Child support)

The case of *Terrell and Terrell* concerned a dispute over the percentage of care arrangements for a child. The applicant sought to have existing percentage of care determinations revoked and new determinations made, arguing there had been a change to the pattern of care. 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 the Registrar had erred in their decision regarding the percentage of care. Specifically, the court had to determine if there had been a material change in the pattern of care since the last determination, and if so, what the appropriate new percentage of care should be. The court also considered the date from which any new determination should take effect, in light of the relevant provisions of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988*.

The court reviewed the evidence presented and applied the principles governing changes to percentage of care determinations. It considered the statutory requirements for revoking existing determinations and making new ones, focusing on whether the evidence demonstrated a sustained and significant alteration in the child's living arrangements. The court found that the Registrar's decision was not supported by the evidence and that a change in the pattern of care had indeed occurred. Consequently, the court set aside the Registrar's decision and substituted its own determination.