If you're a parent in Auburn navigating a divorce or separation, understanding how child support works in Washington State is absolutely essential. Whether you're paying or receiving support, your ability to meet your child’s financial needs and stay on the right side of the law depends on knowing the rules. Washington’s child support laws are designed to be both fair and consistent, regardless of how family dynamics may change over time.
The law provides a detailed process for determining how much support is owed, how long it must be paid, and what enforcement actions may occur if someone falls behind. Getting a firm grasp on the basics can help you avoid conflict, plan ahead, and fulfill your responsibilities as a parent. Below are answers to common questions from Auburn-area families, along with links to public resources that explain these topics in greater detail.
How is child support calculated in Auburn?
Washington uses the “Income Shares Model” to calculate child support obligations. This model estimates how much parents would typically spend on their children if they were still living together. The court starts with the combined monthly net income of both parents and references a standardized table to find the base support amount. Each parent then contributes a share based on their percentage of the total combined income. You can review the state’s child support schedule in RCW 26.19.020.
Can child support orders be modified in Washington, and how?
Yes. Either parent can request a modification if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Examples include a job loss, a significant income increase or decrease, changes in parenting time, or new expenses related to the child’s care. To request a change, you must file a formal petition with the court. Supporting documents and possibly a hearing will be required. Public resources like WashingtonLawHelp.org offer helpful guides and forms.
What income is included in child support calculations?
The court considers nearly all sources of gross income, including wages, tips, commissions, self-employment earnings, pensions, and disability benefits. Then, mandatory deductions like federal income tax, Social Security, and retirement contributions are subtracted to arrive at each parent’s net income.
How long does child support last in Washington State?
In most cases, support continues until the child turns 18 or finishes high school, whichever happens later. In some situations, child support can extend beyond that, such as when the child is disabled or attending college and the court approves post-secondary support. For more, see this helpful resource from Washington Law Help.
What happens if someone doesn’t pay child support?
Unpaid child support—known as arrears—can lead to serious consequences. The Division of Child Support (DCS) has the authority to collect overdue payments by garnishing wages, intercepting tax refunds, suspending licenses, and filing contempt actions in court. These enforcement actions are designed to ensure the child’s needs are consistently met.
If you're unsure how these laws apply to your case, or if you're facing a dispute, it’s important to get clear legal advice. Understanding your rights and responsibilities can protect both your financial interests and your child’s future. For trusted guidance, connect with a knowledgeable Auburn family law attorney who can help you move forward with confidence.
Understanding Washington Child Support Law in Auburn – RCW Chapter 26.19If you’re a parent in Auburn dealing with divorce or separation, navigating child support can feel overwhelming. Washington State’s child support laws, outlined in Chapter 26.19 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), provide a standardized system for calculating and enforcing support obligations across all communities, including Auburn and the rest of King County. These laws are designed to ensure that children receive the financial support they need from both parents in a consistent, equitable way.
The information below provides an overview of the relevant statutes and how they impact your rights and responsibilities as a parent in Auburn.
RCW 26.19.020 – Basic Child Support ObligationThis statute lays out how Washington courts determine the starting point for child support using the state’s economic table. It assumes that both parents would have spent a certain amount on their children if they were still living together. The court combines the monthly net incomes of both parents and refers to the economic table to identify the basic support obligation.
You can read the full statute here:
RCW 26.19.020 – Basic Child Support Obligation
This section defines what constitutes income and what deductions are allowed when determining a parent's net monthly income. Gross income includes things like wages, self-employment earnings, commissions, and pensions. Courts then subtract items such as federal taxes and mandatory retirement contributions to determine what remains for support purposes.
“All income and resources of each parent's household shall be disclosed and considered by the court when the court determines the child support obligation of each parent.”
View the statute in detail:
RCW 26.19.071 – Determining Income
This law explains how the total child support amount is divided between the parents. Each parent’s share is calculated in proportion to their contribution to the combined net income. For example, if one parent earns 65% of the total income, they’re generally responsible for 65% of the child support obligation.
“The basic child support obligation derived from the economic table shall be allocated between the parents based on each parent's share of the combined monthly net income.”
Read more here:
RCW 26.19.080 – Sharing the Obligation
Sometimes the standard formula doesn’t fit a family’s unique situation. This statute allows courts to adjust the calculated support amount when special circumstances exist, such as extraordinary medical expenses or other dependents in either household.
“...The court may deviate from the standard calculation after consideration of the following: (i) Income of a new spouse or new domestic partner…”
Explore the complete list of deviation factors:
RCW 26.19.075 – Deviation from Standard Support
To ensure consistency and fairness, this law requires parents to use official child support worksheets. These court-approved forms help both parents and judges calculate obligations clearly and accurately.
“The administrative office of the courts shall develop and adopt worksheets and instructions to assist the parties and courts in establishing the appropriate child support level…”
Access the statute here:
RCW 26.19.050 – Required Worksheets
To view the full chapter of Washington’s child support law, visit:
Chapter 26.19 RCW – Child Support Schedule
1. How is child support calculated for Auburn parents?
Support is based on a formula that takes into account both parents’ monthly net income and the number of children. Washington’s support schedule provides a base amount that is then divided proportionally. Additional factors—like health care, childcare, or special needs—can also affect the final amount.
Use the official tool: Washington State Child Support Calculator
2. Can I modify a child support order at a later time?
Yes. A parent can request a modification when there has been a significant change in financial circumstances or parenting arrangements. This includes changes like job loss, income fluctuations, or shifts in parenting time.
Start your search here: Child Support Modification Forms
3. What happens if child support isn’t paid?
If a parent falls behind, the Division of Child Support (DCS) can enforce payment through garnished wages, seized tax refunds, license suspensions, and even court sanctions. Past-due support, or arrears, continues to accrue and can result in long-term legal consequences.
Learn more at: Washington DCS Enforcement Actions
Whether you're setting up support for the first time, modifying an existing order, or facing enforcement actions, you don’t have to face it alone. At The Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we bring more than 50 years of combined experience representing families in Auburn and across King County. We understand the law, the courts, and most importantly, how to protect your child’s future.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s work together to find the solution that fits your family’s needs.