VGLV and Child Support Registrar (Child support second review)

This matter concerned a second review of a child support determination before Senior Member A Poljak. The dispute involved the applicant and the Child Support Registrar regarding the percentage of care attributed to each parent for their child, "A", during a specific period following the parents' separation but while they were still living under the same roof.

The court was required to determine the likely pattern of care for the child during the relevant period, from 20 February 2017 to 17 June 2017. This involved assessing the evidence presented by both parents regarding the care they provided to their 16-year-old child, who suffered from a mental illness and was homeschooled, and considering how these circumstances impacted the child's care arrangements.

Senior Member Poljak considered the evidence of both parents, acknowledging the child's age, mental illness, and resulting independence, which necessitated flexibility in assessing the care pattern. The applicant claimed to provide accommodation, financial support, and supervision when the other parent worked late, while the other parent asserted responsibility for emotional support, transport, healthcare decisions, and assisting with schoolwork. Despite the differing accounts, the Senior Member was not satisfied that the evidence demonstrated a care arrangement other than equally shared care. Consequently, the decision under review was set aside, and it was determined that the percentages of care for "A" were 50% for the applicant and 50% for the other party, with effect from 20 February 2017.