Walsh and Estrada (Child support)

This matter concerned an appeal by the father, Mr Walsh, against a decision of the Child Support Registrar to revoke existing percentage of care determinations and make new determinations. The mother, Ms Estrada, was the respondent. The dispute centred on whether there had been a change to the likely pattern of care of the child.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether the Registrar had erred in revoking the existing percentage of care determinations and making new ones, specifically whether the evidence supported a finding that there had been a change in the likely pattern of care. The court was required to consider the relevant provisions of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth) concerning the assessment of care percentages.

The court affirmed the Registrar's decision, finding that the evidence presented demonstrated a significant and likely ongoing change in the pattern of care for the child. The court considered the factual circumstances presented, which indicated a shift in the primary caregiver responsibilities. The legal principle applied was that where a substantial and likely permanent change in the pattern of care occurs, the Registrar is empowered to revoke existing determinations and make new ones to accurately reflect the current care arrangements.

The appeal was dismissed, and the Registrar's decision to revoke the existing percentage of care determinations and make new ones was affirmed.