Wreford and Jourdain (Child support)

This matter concerned an application by the father, Mr Wreford, to review a decision of the Child Support Registrar concerning the percentage of care for the parties' two children. The Registrar had previously determined that the mother, Ms Jourdain, had a 65% care responsibility for the children, which resulted in the father paying child support. The father sought a review of this decision, arguing that there had been a change in the likely pattern of care.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether the Registrar's decision to revoke existing percentage of care determinations and make new determinations was justified. Specifically, the court had to consider whether there had been a change in the likely pattern of care for the children that warranted a reassessment of the care percentages.

Member P Jensen found that the evidence presented demonstrated a significant and ongoing change in the pattern of care for the children. The father had presented evidence of increased time spent with the children, including overnight stays and participation in their daily routines, which indicated a shift from the previous care arrangements. Applying the principles of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988*, the Member determined that the change in the likely pattern of care was substantial enough to warrant a revocation of the existing determinations and the making of new ones.

The court ordered that the Registrar's decision be varied. New percentage of care determinations were made, reflecting the changed pattern of care, which would impact the father's child support obligations.