If you’re going through a divorce or separation in Federal Way, understanding how child support works under Washington State law is essential. Whether you expect to pay or receive support, the outcome directly affects your child’s financial stability and your own legal responsibilities. Knowing how support is calculated, enforced, and modified can help you protect your rights while ensuring that your child’s needs are fully met.
Washington law offers a uniform and structured approach to child support statewide. This means the rules that apply in Federal Way are the same as those used in every other city. Courts rely on detailed formulas to determine payment amounts and enforce compliance. The better you understand these rules, the more prepared you’ll be to avoid disputes and build a plan that works for your family. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about child support in Washington, along with links to trusted public resources.
How is child support calculated in Federal Way?Washington follows an “Income Shares Model,” which estimates what both parents would have contributed to their children’s upbringing if the household had stayed intact. To determine the payment amount, the court combines both parents’ monthly net incomes and refers to the state’s standardized support schedule to establish a base obligation. That obligation is then split proportionally based on each parent’s income share.
For details, see the official economic table and support schedule under RCW 26.19.020
Can a child support order be changed, and if so, how?Yes. Support orders are not permanent and can be changed if there has been a substantial shift in circumstances. This may include job loss, significant income fluctuations, changes in parenting time, or increased medical or educational expenses for the child. You must file a petition for modification through the court. Depending on the situation, this process may involve hearings or mediation.
Washington Law Help offers modification guides here.
What income does the court consider when calculating child support?All sources of gross income are included when calculating child support. This can involve wages, overtime, commissions, bonuses, pensions, business earnings, and disability payments. Once gross income is established, deductions are made for things like federal taxes, social security, and mandatory retirement contributions. The resulting figure, monthly net income, is used to determine each parent’s financial obligation.
You can read more in RCW 26.19.071
How long does child support last in Washington?In most cases, child support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later. However, there are exceptions. If your child is disabled or pursuing post-secondary education, the court may extend support obligations beyond the typical end date. Such terms must generally be included in the original court order or requested by petition before the child becomes a legal adult.
More information is available at Washington Law Help:
https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org
Missed child support payments—referred to as arrears—can lead to serious enforcement actions. The Washington Division of Child Support (DCS) has the authority to pursue collection through wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, property liens, and suspension of driver’s or professional licenses. In more serious cases, courts may find the non-paying parent in contempt, which can result in fines or jail time.
Visit DCS Enforcement Overview
Overview of State Statute Chapter 26.19 – Child Support Obligation in WashingtonFor parents in Federal Way managing child support as part of a divorce or custody case, understanding how Washington law calculates support is essential. Chapter 26.19 RCW lays out the child support schedule that all courts across the state must follow, including those within the King County Superior Court, which serves the Federal Way area. This legal framework ensures consistency and fairness, relying on both parents’ financial information and the number of children needing support.
RCW 26.19.020 – Basic Child Support ObligationThis section defines how child support starts with a standard economic table. The court adds together both parents' net monthly incomes and refers to this schedule to find the base support obligation. The final amount may be adjusted based on the specific circumstances of the case.
View the full statute here
This statute outlines what income must be disclosed and which deductions are permitted. Gross income includes everything from wages and bonuses to rental income or pension payments. Certain expenses, such as taxes or required retirement contributions, are deducted to calculate 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.”
Read the complete statute here
This law ensures that support is split between both parents based on their share of the total combined net income. For example, if one parent earns 60% of the household income, they typically pay 60% of the child support.
“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.”
See the full text here
Courts may deviate from the calculated amount when special circumstances apply. This includes cases where one parent supports children from another relationship or pays the majority of child-related expenses.
“...The court may deviate from the standard calculation after consideration of the following: (i) Income of a new spouse or new domestic partner…”
View all deviation standards here
To maintain fairness, courts use official worksheets that calculate child support using the guidelines above. These must be completed and filed in every child support case.
“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…” Explore this statute
To view the entire statute, visit the full chapter here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=26.19
Child Support in Federal Way – Frequently Asked Questions1. How is child support calculated for families in Federal Way?
The court follows a formula that starts with both parents’ combined monthly net income. The state’s child support schedule then suggests a total amount, which is divided proportionally. Adjustments may be made for daycare, healthcare, or other child-specific needs.
Access the Washington State Child Support Calculator
2. Can a child support order be modified?
Yes. If there’s been a substantial change in income, expenses, or parenting time, either parent can file a motion to modify support. Court forms and instructions are available online.
Find modification forms here
3. What happens if a parent doesn’t pay support?
The Division of Child Support can enforce payments by garnishing wages, seizing tax refunds, or suspending licenses. Serious noncompliance may result in court action for contempt.
Learn more from Washington DCS
At The Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we understand how stressful child support cases can be, especially when your child’s well-being is on the line. With over 50 years of combined legal experience, our team is committed to helping Federal Way families navigate child support, custody, and divorce matters with clarity and confidence. Your first consultation is always free.
Contact us today to speak with a Washington family law attorney who’s ready to help you move forward.