Child Support, Divorce, and Family Law in Washington State – A Practical Guide for Parents in Kent

If you’re going through a divorce or separation in Kent, understanding how child support is determined, modified, and enforced under Washington law is an essential part of protecting your family’s future. Whether you're paying support or receiving it, your child’s financial security and your legal obligations hinge on a clear understanding of how the system works. These laws are designed to ensure children are financially supported in a manner that’s both fair and consistent, regardless of the parents’ relationship status.

Washington State law provides a structured process for calculating support based on income, the number of children, and specific circumstances in each case. Knowing your rights and responsibilities can help you avoid disputes, stay compliant with court orders, and make informed decisions about your next steps. Below are answers to some of the most common questions Kent parents ask about child support, along with direct links to helpful public resources.

How is child support calculated in Kent?
Washington uses the “Income Shares Model” to determine child support obligations. This approach estimates what the parents would spend on their children if they were still living together. The court adds both parents’ monthly net incomes together and references the state’s child support schedule to calculate a base support amount. Each parent’s portion is then based on their share of the total income.

You can review the full economic table in RCW 26.19.020 – Basic Child Support Obligation.

Can child support orders be modified, and if so, how?
Yes. Child support orders can be changed when there’s been a substantial change in circumstances. This could be due to job loss, a significant income increase or decrease, a shift in parenting time, or changes in the child’s needs. To start the process, you’ll need to file a petition with the court. Supporting documents may be required, and depending on the case, a court hearing or mediation might be necessary.

For step-by-step guidance, visit WashingtonLawHelp.org – How Do I Change My Child Support Order?

What income is considered when calculating child support in Washington State?
All sources of gross income are included—this means wages, commissions, bonuses, self-employment earnings, disability benefits, and more. From that, certain deductions, like federal taxes, Social Security, and mandatory retirement contributions, are subtracted to calculate net income.

This process is explained in RCW 26.19.071 – Determining Income.

How long does child support last?
In most cases, child support must be paid until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, payments may continue beyond that if the child is disabled or if a court order includes provisions for post-secondary support, such as college or vocational training.

You can find more information at WashingtonLawHelp.org – Child Support FAQs.

What happens if child support payments are not made in Washington State?
The Division of Child Support (DCS) can take several steps to collect unpaid support. These include wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, bank account seizures, suspension of driver’s or professional licenses, and even court-ordered penalties. Falling behind on support can lead to significant legal and financial consequences.

Understanding how child support works under Washington law is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your child and secure your own financial future. If you’re unsure how these rules apply to your case, or if you’re facing a dispute, it’s in your best interest to speak with an experienced Kent family law attorney who can walk you through your options and advocate for your rights.

For families in Kent dealing with divorce or separation, child support is one of the most important legal matters to understand. Whether you are the one paying or receiving support, your child’s future depends on ensuring that financial needs are met, and that begins with a solid grasp of how the Washington legal system handles child support.

Washington State applies the same child support laws uniformly across all cities and counties, including Kent. The system is designed to create fairness and consistency in support obligations, using clear legal formulas and detailed financial disclosures. Knowing the legal framework can help you make better choices and avoid unnecessary stress.

Chapter 26.19 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) outlines the official method courts use when calculating child support. These rules apply in Kent through the King County Superior Court and are followed statewide to ensure predictable outcomes based on the incomes of both parents and the number of children.

RCW 26.19.020 – Basic Child Support Obligation
This section introduces the state’s child support economic table. Courts begin by combining both parents’ monthly net income and referencing this schedule to find a base support amount. This figure assumes what both parents would have spent on the children had they stayed together. The final support amount may change depending on special circumstances.
Read RCW 26.19.020

RCW 26.19.071 – Determining Income
This section defines what qualifies as income and what deductions are allowed. Courts consider wages, bonuses, business profits, pensions, and more. They then subtract taxes and mandatory deductions 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.”
View RCW 26.19.071

RCW 26.19.080 – Proportional Sharing of Support Obligation
Support is divided based on the share of income each parent contributes. For example, if one parent earns 70% of the combined income, they’ll be responsible for 70% of the 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.”
See RCW 26.19.080

RCW 26.19.075 – Standards for Deviation
Courts have discretion to change the base support amount if certain conditions apply, such as high medical costs or the presence of other dependents.
“...The court may deviate from the standard calculation after consideration of the following: (i) Income of a new spouse or new domestic partner…”
Review RCW 26.19.075

RCW 26.19.050 – Worksheets and Instructions
This statute requires the use of standardized worksheets to ensure all cases follow a consistent process.
“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…”
Read RCW 26.19.050

If you’d like to explore the entire child support law, visit Chapter 26.19 RCW and review the entire statute.

1. How is child support calculated for Kent families?
The court uses both parents’ net incomes and a standardized support schedule to determine how much should be paid. This ensures fairness based on income and the number of children.
Try the online Washington Child Support Calculator

2. Can child support orders be changed?
Yes, either parent can request a modification due to a major change, such as a job loss or changes in parenting time.
Start with the forms

3. What happens if child support isn’t paid?
The Division of Child Support (DCS) may step in to collect overdue payments through wage garnishment, tax refund seizure, or license suspension. Arrears can also accrue interest.
Learn more from DCS enforcement

At The Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we’ve helped Washington families resolve child support matters for over 50 years. Whether you’re setting up a support order, dealing with non-payment, or requesting a modification, we’re here to help. We offer free consultations and local legal experience you can trust.

Contact us now for a free case review and take the first step toward securing your child’s future with confidence.