For families in Tacoma navigating divorce or separation, child support is one of the most important and often most misunderstood aspects of the legal process. Whether you’re expected to pay support or receive it, the outcome directly impacts your child’s financial well-being and your own obligations under Washington law. Understanding how child support is calculated, enforced, and modified is essential for making sound decisions during and after your case.
In Washington State, child support is calculated using a standardized legal framework that aims to create fairness and consistency. It accounts for both parents’ income and the number of children involved, and it applies equally across the state, including Pierce County. Knowing how the system works can help reduce conflict, keep your case on track, and protect your rights as a parent.
Below are answers to common questions from Tacoma families facing child support issues, with links to reliable public resources that offer additional guidance.
How is child support calculated in Tacoma?
Washington uses the “Income Shares Model,” which estimates how much the parents would have jointly spent on their children if they had remained in one household. The Pierce County Superior Court reviews both parents’ combined monthly net income and applies a statewide economic schedule to determine the basic support amount. That obligation is then divided proportionally based on each parent’s share of the income. You can view the official support schedule in RCW 26.19.020.
Can child support orders be modified for Tacoma parents, and if so, how?
Yes, modifications are possible when there's been a substantial change in either parent's circumstances. Common triggers include job loss, significant changes in income, new medical or educational needs of the child, or shifts in the parenting plan. A motion to modify support must be filed with the court, and the process may involve mediation or a hearing. For detailed instructions and forms, visit WashingtonLawHelp.org.
What income is considered when calculating child support in Washington?
Washington courts consider all gross income sources, including wages, overtime, bonuses, business profits, pensions, and disability payments. From this, mandatory deductions like federal income tax, Social Security, and retirement contributions are subtracted to determine each parent’s net income. The rules for calculating income are set out in RCW 26.19.071.
How long does child support last in Washington State?
Support usually continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. In certain cases, support may be extended, such as when a child is disabled or pursuing post-secondary education. Courts can include these extended provisions in the original order or through a later modification. Learn more at WashingtonLawHelp – Child Support.
What happens if child support payments are missed?
If a parent falls behind on child support, the Division of Child Support (DCS) can take action to enforce the order. This may include garnishing wages, intercepting tax refunds, suspending driver’s or professional licenses, and filing for contempt of court. Missed payments, also known as arrears, can continue to accrue interest until fully paid. For enforcement options and help, visit the Washington State DCS website.
In every child support case filed in the Pierce County Superior Court, judges follow clear guidelines set out in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). These laws help establish fair outcomes by basing support obligations on income, parenting time, and the needs of the child. If you're beginning the process or navigating changes to an existing order, the information below will help you make more informed decisions.
RCW Chapter 26.19 – Washington’s Child Support LawRCW Chapter 26.19 is the cornerstone of child support law in Washington State. This chapter lays out the formula courts must use to determine how much financial support each parent must contribute toward raising their children. The law is applied uniformly across the state, including in Tacoma, ensuring consistent results no matter where your case is heard.
RCW 26.19.020 – Basic Child Support ObligationThis statute introduces Washington’s child support economic table, which is used to calculate a base monthly obligation based on both parents’ combined net income and the number of children involved. The court starts with this schedule to estimate how much parents would typically spend on their children if they lived together. This figure can later be adjusted if necessary.
RCW 26.19.071 – Determining IncomeThis key section defines what constitutes “gross income” and outlines which deductions are allowed to calculate each parent’s net income. Gross income includes wages, salaries, business income, bonuses, and pensions. Deductions may include federal taxes, Social Security, and required retirement contributions.
As quoted directly from the statute:
“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 Support ObligationThis statute ensures that both parents contribute in proportion to their earnings. For example, if one parent earns 65% of the combined income, they will typically pay 65% of the total support amount.
“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 DeviationNot all cases are alike. This statute gives the court discretion to adjust the standard child support amount when special factors apply. Common reasons for deviation include the income of a new spouse, extraordinary medical expenses, or other children to support.
“...The court may deviate from the standard calculation after consideration of the following: (i) Income of a new spouse or new domestic partner…”
RCW 26.19.050 – Worksheets and InstructionsThis statute requires all parties to use official worksheets and instructions to ensure accuracy and uniformity in support calculations.
“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…”
Child Support FAQs for Pierce County Parents1. How is child support calculated in Washington?
Child support is determined using a formula that includes both parents' monthly net income and the number of children. The schedule found in RCW 26.19.020 offers a starting point, and adjustments can be made for special expenses like health insurance or childcare.
Use the Washington State Child Support Calculator here.
2. Can support orders be changed later?
Yes. If there’s been a significant shift in income, parenting time, or the child’s needs, you can request a modification. The process begins by filing a motion with the court and presenting evidence of the changed circumstances.
Find modification resources here.
3. What happens if a parent doesn’t pay child support?
The Division of Child Support (DCS) can take enforcement actions such as wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, license suspension, or legal penalties. Arrears also accumulate interest over time.
Learn more from the DCS website
Talk to a Tacoma Child Support Attorney TodayWhether you're starting the child support process, dealing with missed payments, or preparing for a modification, having a knowledgeable legal advocate on your side matters. At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we have more than 50 years of combined experience helping families in Tacoma and Pierce County navigate Washington’s complex family law system. Your first consultation is always free.
Contact us today to speak with a dedicated Tacoma child support lawyer who understands the law and how to protect your Constitutional rights.
Our Tacoma Child Support Attorneys Can Help You Understand the LawAnytime issues involving children are a part of divorce proceedings, the experience can be emotionally devastating for everyone in the family. Issues involving child support are some of the most complex, so it makes sense to talk to a Tacoma support attorney when addressing your child’s well being.
One of the first things a Tacoma support attorney will tell you is that in Washington State both parents are required to provide child support. It is also advisable that both parties strictly adhere to the guidelines laid out in the agreement so that their children have the necessary financial means to survive. Our Tacoma child support lawyers can offer you real answers about support based on the law, and outline how they might affect you and your children.
Our Tacoma child support attorneys have decades of combined experience handling divorce cases where children are involved. This experience has taught us that the amount of support provided for a child is based on factors that include the net monthly income of the parents, the quantity and age of the children, and daycare expenses, among others. If you’re looking for support attorneys in Tacoma who will fight on your behalf then you can call our office for a free consultation today.
You will quickly discover that our knowledgeable and resourceful Tacoma child support lawyers can provide you with the legal representation you need.
How Our Support Attorneys in Tacoma Can Help YouA Tacoma support attorney should be more than just a legal consultant – they should also be compassionate advocates who understand the emotional stress a divorce can cause. Still, the law can be confusing, so it’s important you have a legal professional on your side that is well versed in the subtleties of Washington State divorce law.
Our Tacoma child support attorneys can provide you with information regarding the law, help you plan a set of goals, explore all of your options, negotiate fair terms with your spouse, and act as your legal advisor whenever difficult decisions arise.
All of which starts with a free consultation where you can talk to one of our Tacoma child support lawyers about your case, and how you would like to see it resolved. We understand that you want the best when it comes to your child’s future, and we will act in accordance with this basic premise. There is no risk and no obligation. After your free consultation you will be free to decide if we are the right attorneys for you.
Contact us today and discover for yourself how our team of legal professionals can help you protect your future and that of your children.