If you’re a parent in Bellevue facing a divorce or separation, understanding Washington State’s child support laws is crucial. Whether you expect to pay or receive support, your financial planning and your child’s future well-being depend on having a clear understanding of your rights and obligations. These laws are in place to ensure that children receive the financial support they need, regardless of changes in family structure.
Washington State uses a well-defined legal framework to calculate and enforce child support. It determines how much is owed, how long payments must continue, and what consequences apply if payments aren’t made. Gaining a strong grasp of these rules can help you avoid disputes, stay in compliance, and make better-informed decisions about your family's future.
Here are answers to some of the most common child support questions for Bellevue parents, with links to trusted public resources for additional support.
How is child support calculated in Bellevue?
Washington applies the “Income Shares Model,” which estimates the total financial support children would receive if both parents lived together. The court adds up both parents’ net monthly incomes and uses a standardized support schedule to find a starting point. Then, each parent’s share is calculated based on their percentage of the total income. For example, if one parent earns 60% of the combined income, they are responsible for 60% of the support. You can review this in RCW 26.19.020.
Can child support orders be modified in Washington State, and if so, how?
Yes. A parent can request a modification if a significant change has occurred, such as job loss, increased medical expenses, or a change in custody. To start this process, you must file a motion with the court. Depending on the circumstances, the court may schedule a hearing or require mediation. Resources to help with this process can be found on WashingtonLawHelp.org.
What income is considered when calculating child support for Bellevue families?
The court looks at all gross income sources, including wages, overtime, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, and pensions. From this gross income, specific deductions are allowed, such as income taxes, social security, and mandatory retirement contributions, to calculate the net income used in the support formula. For detailed guidance, refer to RCW 26.19.071.
How long does child support last in Washington State?
In most situations, child support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later. However, support may extend past that if the child has disabilities or if post-secondary support (such as college tuition) is ordered by the court. A helpful overview is available through Washington Law Help.
What happens if child support payments are missed in Washington?
If a parent falls behind on payments, the Division of Child Support (DCS) has authority to take enforcement actions. This can include wage garnishment, seizure of tax refunds, revocation of professional or driver’s licenses, and contempt proceedings. Arrears also accrue interest, which can significantly increase the total owed over time. Learn more about enforcement from the Washington State Division of Child Support.
Understanding Washington’s child support system is key to protecting your rights and your child’s financial future. If you need help navigating a child support dispute or modification in Bellevue, consulting with a qualified family law attorney can provide clarity and confidence as you move forward.
Understanding Chapter 26.19 RCW – Washington’s Child Support Guidelines in BellevueIn Bellevue and throughout King County, child support is determined according to the standards set in Chapter 26.19 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). This law provides a uniform method for courts to calculate how much financial support a parent must provide to meet their child’s essential needs. Whether you're negotiating a new parenting plan or adjusting an existing support order, understanding these legal benchmarks is crucial to protecting your rights and your child’s stability.
Here’s a breakdown of the key sections in Chapter 26.19 RCW and how they apply to Bellevue families. Family law issues like child support are handled by the King County Superior Court.
RCW 26.19.020 – Basic Child Support Obligation
This section explains how the family courts across Washington begin calculating support by referring to a statewide economic table. That table estimates what parents would typically spend on their children if they lived together. The judge starts by combining both parents’ monthly net income and locating the corresponding amount on the table.
View the full statute here
RCW 26.19.071 – Determining Income
The law outlines exactly what is counted as income. Courts consider wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, and even rental or investment income. Certain deductions—like federal income tax and mandatory union dues—are allowed before calculating the parent’s net income.
“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.”
RCW 26.19.080 – Proportional Sharing of the Obligation
Once the total obligation is set, the court splits it between the parents based on their share of the combined net income. If one parent earns 65% of the combined total, they’ll typically be responsible for 65% of the financial 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.”
RCW 26.19.075 – Standards for Deviation from the Standard Calculation
Courts may adjust the support amount if there are valid reasons to do so—this is called a deviation. Common reasons include one parent covering most of the child’s costs already, income from a new spouse, or extraordinary expenses like travel for visitation or specialized medical care.
“The court may deviate from the standard calculation after consideration of the following: (i) Income of a new spouse or new domestic partner…”
Full list of deviation factors
RCW 26.19.050 – Worksheets and Instructions
Parents are required to use official worksheets to calculate and present child support figures in court. This ensures transparency and standardization across King County and the rest of the state.
“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…”
To view RCW Chapter 29.16 in its entirety, kindly follow this link.
Child Support in Washington – Frequently Asked Questions1. How is child support calculated in Washington?
The court uses a formula based on both parents’ net income and the number of children. It then divides the total obligation proportionally. The support schedule also considers additional expenses like daycare and health insurance.
2. Can support orders be changed later?
Yes. You can request a modification if there’s a substantial change in income, parenting time, or the child’s needs.
Access modification forms by following the link above.
3. What if the paying parent doesn’t make payments?
The Division of Child Support (DCS) can enforce payment through garnishments, tax refund seizures, and license suspensions. Interest may also accrue on unpaid balances.
If you live in Bellevue and need help with child support, whether you're just starting the process or dealing with enforcement or modification, the right legal support can make a big difference. At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, our team brings over 50 years of combined experience helping King County families protect their children’s financial future.
Your first consultation is free, and we’re here to guide you with clarity, experience, and compassion. Contact us today to speak with a Bellevue child support lawyer who’s ready to help.
Protect Your Child's Well Being With Help From Our Bellevue Child Support AttorneysThere are certain issues that must be addressed during divorce proceedings, but the ones involving children are usually the most contentious. Child support issues often cause emotions to run high, but our qualified Bellevue support attorneys will help you maintain civil discourse with your ex-spouse.
This is because Washington State law requires that both parents provide support for their children after a divorce is finalized. Your parenting plan sets guidelines that must be strictly followed. Failure to act in good faith could motivate the court to take legal action against anyone that fails to comply to the parenting plan. It's important to understanding your legal rights when developing a parenting plan, so our Bellevue child support lawyers guide you through this sometimes difficult process while acknowledging your interests.
With more than 30 years of combined experience handling sensitive Washington family law issues, the Bellevue child support attorneys at the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe will help you protect your children's futures. Many of our clients are anxious to find out how much their child support will be, or how much money their child will receive from their ex-spouse. Various factors will be considered by the court, including the number of children and their ages, the expense of raising them, and each parent’s net income. Other factors could also become part of the equation, so speak with one of our experienced support attorneys in Bellevue about your situation so that we can offer you assistance.
Our experienced Bellevue child-support lawyers are ready to help you deal with your child support issues, no matter how complex they may be, and it all starts with a free consultation.
Our Support Attorneys In Bellevue Offer A Free Child Support EvaluationOur Bellevue support attorneys help you in two different ways: First we provide you with sound legal counsel, and then help you deal with the emotional strain that often accompanies these sensitive issues. This compassionate approach to divorce law helps our valued clients make better choices by maintaining civil discourse with their ex-spouse throughout their divorce negotiations.
After defining your most important goals, our Bellevue child support attorneys work hard to attain them by providing you with reliable legal advice. Artful negotiations with your ex-spouse and their lawyer may lead to an acceptable resolution of your case, but we will still take it to court if they are entirely unreasonable.
Schedule your own free consultation with one of our Bellevue child support lawyers by contacting our Washington law office. One of our lawyers will return your query within 24 hours, and then you can decide whether you would like our Washington law firm to represent your interests.
Contact our law office today and get professional legal guidance from one of our Bellevue support attorneys. Your Washington attorney will act as your personal advocate with the court, while aggressively fighting for the best interests of you and your children.