Child Support, Divorce and Family Law in Washington State - A Comprehensive Resource

Understanding how child support works in Washington State is a vital step for any parent navigating the separation or divorce process. Whether you're receiving or paying support, the financial stability of your children and the clarity of your legal obligations depend on knowing the rules.

Washington statutes provide a clear framework for calculating, enforcing, and modifying child support, all with the goal of ensuring that children’s needs are met fairly and consistently. From how payments are determined to how long they last, knowing the basics can help you make better-informed decisions and avoid unnecessary conflict or legal trouble.

Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about child support in Washington, along with links to trusted public resources that offer more in-depth guidance.

How is child support calculated in Washington State?
Washington follows an "Income Shares Model" that estimates what parents would have spent on their children if the household remained intact. The court uses the combined monthly net income of both parents and a standardized schedule to determine the basic support obligation. Each parent’s share of the total obligation is then calculated based on their proportion of the combined income. The child support schedule is codified in RCW 26.19.020.

Can child support orders be modified in Washington State, and if so, how?
Yes, child support orders can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a change in income, loss of employment, or changes in the child’s needs. You must file a court motion or petition to modify the order. This can be done with or without legal representation, and self-help resources are available to assist parents through the process.

What income is considered when calculating child support in Washington State?
The court considers gross income from all sources, including wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, and other financial benefits. From this, certain deductions are made, such as federal taxes, social security, and mandatory retirement contributions, to arrive at the net income used for calculating support. Detailed worksheets help ensure consistency and fairness.

How long does child support last in Washington State?
In most cases, child support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. In some cases, support can extend beyond this, especially if the child is disabled or pursuing post-secondary education and the court order extended support. Sometimes it’s necessary to petition to decide parentage.

What happens if child support payments are not made in Washington State?
Failure to pay child support can result in serious consequences. The Division of Child Support (DCS) may enforce payment through wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, suspension of driver's or professional licenses, and even legal penalties including contempt of court.

These resources, and this page of frequently asked questions, are a good place to begin. If you have questions about your specific situation, it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced Washington family law attorney.

Chapter 26.19 RCW establishes Washington’s child support schedule and outlines the legal framework courts use to calculate child support obligations. This statutory scheme ensures consistent, equitable determinations across the state based on the income of both parents and the number of children requiring support.

Tackling Washington State Code - RCW 26.19.020 – Basic Child Support Obligation
This section explains how courts use the combined income of both parents to determine a starting point for child support using a standard schedule.

The child support schedule is used when determining child support. This means the court starts with a recommended amount based on both parents’ income and the number of children, but it can adjust the final amount based on individual circumstances.

RCW 26.19.071 – Determining Income
This is one of the most important sections. It defines what counts as income and what deductions are allowed when calculating how much each parent can afford to pay.

“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.”

It also lists deductions like taxes and mandatory retirement contributions. The result is the “net income” used to calculate child support.

RCW 26.19.080 – Proportional Sharing of Support Obligation
This statute explains that both parents share responsibility for child support. The amount each parent owes is based on their share of the combined income.

“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.”

In other words, the more you earn, the more you’ll be expected to contribute.

RCW 26.19.075 – Standards for Deviation
This law gives the court flexibility to increase or decrease the calculated amount if there are special reasons to do so.

“...The court may deviate from the standard calculation after consideration of the following:

(i) Income of a new spouse or new domestic partner…”

Many other reasons are listed in the code. For example, if a child has special medical needs or one parent already pays for most of the child’s expenses, the judge might order a different amount.

RCW 26.19.050 – Worksheets and Instructions
This section requires courts and parents to use standardized worksheets when calculating child support. It helps make the process consistent and fair.

“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…”

These forms are required in every child support case and must be submitted to the court.

If you’d like to explore the entire child support schedule chapter, you can view it here:

This law provides a clear framework that Washington courts use to determine child support in a way that is fair to both parents and supports the child’s needs. If you still have questions, it’s a good idea to consult with a Washington family law attorney who can help you apply these rules to your situation.

Understanding how child support works in Washington State is essential if you're going through a divorce or separation or if you are an unmarried parent. Whether you’re the paying parent or the one receiving support, knowing your rights and responsibilities under state law can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary legal issues. Below are three of the most frequently asked questions about child support in Washington, along with clear, accessible answers and a helpful public resource.

1. How is child support calculated in Washington State?
Child support is determined using a standardized formula based on the combined monthly incomes of both parents. The state’s child support schedule takes into account the number of children, the age of the children, and certain expenses like daycare, health insurance, and educational costs. Each parent’s financial obligation is then prorated based on their share of the combined income. The court may also consider specific factors like parenting time, extraordinary medical needs, or special circumstances that justify a deviation from the standard calculation.

Access the official support calculator

2. Can a child support order be changed later?
Yes. Washington law allows child support orders to be modified when there has been a significant change in circumstances. Common reasons include job loss, a substantial increase or decrease in income, a change in parenting time, or increased expenses related to the child’s care. To request a modification, you must file a petition with the court and provide documentation supporting your request. The court will review whether the change justifies adjusting the current order.

View modification forms and guides

3. What happens if a parent fails to pay child support?
Failure to pay child support in Washington can result in serious legal consequences. The Division of Child Support (DCS) has the authority to take enforcement actions such as wage garnishment, bank account seizures, license suspensions, and even contempt proceedings in court. The unpaid amount, called arrears, continues to accrue interest, and parents who fall behind may be ordered to appear in court to explain nonpayment.

At The Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we understand how overwhelming child support issues can be,especially when you're trying to balance your financial responsibilities with what’s best for your child. Our team brings over 50 years of combined experience helping Washington families resolve child support matters with clarity and confidence. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the support your child deserves or defend your rights if you’ve been unfairly treated.

Divorce proceedings can adversely affect everyone in a family, and this is especially true when it comes to children. At the heart of this matter are child support issues that, because of their complexity, demand attention from a qualified Washington support attorney.

In Washington State, both parents are responsible for child support. Once an agreement is made, your Washington support attorney will urge you to adhere to its guidelines to prevent any unwanted action by the court. Coming to an agreement can be tricky, but our Washington child support lawyers can help guide you toward a resolution that will keep the well being of your children at the forefront.

Handling divorce cases that involve children requires experience, and with over 30 years of combined experience practicing law our Washington child support attorneys can help you resolve your family law issues.

Multiple factors will be considered when determining each parent’s support responsibilities, and these include:

• Net monthly income of each parent
• The number of children
• The ages of the children
• Daycare expenses

Obviously, other factors can come into play, so a good first step is to talk to support attorneys in Washington who can address your particular concerns. Our Washington child support lawyers will utilize their knowledge of family law to your benefit, so that you can protect the financial future of your family.

Every Washington support attorney at our law firm believes that they need to be more than just a legal counselor. Our compassionate approach to every divorce case dictates that we take a personal interest in our clients, and help them deal with the emotional strain that support issues can cause. We also take great pride in our dedication when it comes to maintaining a current understanding of complex divorce laws, and using that understanding to protect the rights of the people who trust us with their most important decisions.

Our Washington child support attorneys will guide you through every phase of your negotiations, helping you to fully understand your rights and offering you trustworthy advice when needed.

You can talk to one of our Washington child support lawyers by calling our office or filling out our online form. Within 24 hours, one of our legal professionals will contact you for a cost-free consultation. With no risk or monetary requirements, you will be free to decide if we are the right law firm to protect your interests.

Don’t waste any time – contact us today and let us help you with all of your family law issues.