A Practical Guide for Parents in Everett Dealing with Child Support, Divorce, and Family Law Issues

For parents living in Everett or anywhere in Snohomish County, navigating child support during a divorce or separation can feel overwhelming. Whether you're the one expected to pay or the one receiving support, understanding Washington’s child support laws is essential for protecting both your child’s financial well-being and your legal rights. These laws are built to ensure that children receive consistent and fair financial support, regardless of changes in the family dynamic.

Under Washington law, child support is calculated using a standardized approach, and there are clear rules about when it begins, how long it continues, and what steps the state can take if support is not paid. The following answers to frequently asked questions will help Everett families understand what to expect and how to move forward with confidence.

How is child support calculated in Everett?
Washington uses what’s called the “Income Shares Model.” This formula estimates how much money parents would spend on their child if they were still living together. The court first combines both parents’ monthly net incomes and refers to the child support schedule in RCW 26.19.020 to find the baseline amount. That total is then split proportionally based on each parent’s share of the total income.

Can child support orders be modified in Washington State? If so, how?
Yes, child support orders can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. This might include a change in income, job loss, medical expenses, or a shift in custody arrangements. To start the process, you must file a motion or petition in the Snohomish County Superior Court and submit evidence supporting your request. Mediation or a court hearing may be part of the modification process.

What income is considered when calculating child support in Washington?
Under RCW 26.19.071, the court considers gross income from all sources, wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, disability benefits, rental income, and more. From this gross amount, certain mandatory deductions (such as income tax and Social Security) are subtracted to determine net income. Net income is what’s used in the support calculation.

How long does child support last?
Typically, child support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later. However, support may be extended under certain circumstances, such as if the child is disabled or pursuing higher education. If post-secondary support is requested, the court must specifically include that in its order. More details are available at WashingtonLawHelp.org.

What happens if child support payments are not made?
If payments are missed, the Washington State Division of Child Support (DCS) has enforcement authority. DCS can garnish wages, intercept tax refunds, suspend driver's and professional licenses, place liens on property, or initiate contempt proceedings in court. Interest may also accrue on unpaid amounts. You can learn more from the Washington DCS Enforcement Division.

Understanding your responsibilities under Washington child support law is key to avoiding legal complications and protecting your child’s future. If you're a parent in Everett with questions about establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support, it’s wise to speak with an experienced Snohomish County family law attorney who can guide you every step of the way.

If you’re navigating child support matters in Everett or anywhere in Snohomish County, it’s essential to understand how the law guides these cases. Chapter 26.19 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) outlines the statewide formula courts must follow when determining child support obligations. The goal is fairness, consistency, and predictability—regardless of whether you live in Everett, Lynnwood, or Monroe.

Family law cases in Everett are handled through the Snohomish County Superior Court, and child support orders are based on specific legal standards that consider income, parenting arrangements, and the child’s financial needs. Below is an overview of key statutes from Chapter 26.19 RCW, including direct links to each provision and plain-language explanations.

RCW 26.19.020 – Basic Child Support Obligation
This statute provides the foundation for how child support is determined in Washington. It relies on a uniform economic table that reflects the amount parents would likely spend on their children if they were living together. Courts begin by combining both parents’ monthly net incomes and applying the statewide table to arrive at a baseline support figure. Adjustments may follow based on specific family circumstances.

RCW 26.19.071 – Determining Income
This critical statute details what types of income must be reported and which deductions are allowed when calculating net income. Gross income includes wages, commissions, pensions, and bonuses. Deductions may include income taxes, Social Security, and retirement contributions.
“All income and resources of each parent's household shall be disclosed and considered by the court…”

RCW 26.19.080 – Proportional Sharing of Support Obligation
Once the combined support obligation is determined, this section explains how the total is split between the parents. The obligation is allocated proportionally based on each parent’s share of the total net income. For example, if one parent earns 60% of the total 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…”

RCW 26.19.075 – Standards for Deviation
Not every family fits neatly into a standard formula. This statute gives judges discretion to deviate from the default calculation when there are special circumstances, such as a parent already covering significant expenses, or the presence of a new spouse’s income.
“…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 Instructions
To ensure uniformity across the state, this law mandates the use of official worksheets. These forms must be submitted in every case to assist the court in determining the correct level of support.
“The administrative office of the courts shall develop and adopt worksheets and instructions…”

Explore the full chapter:
You can access the entire Chapter 26.19 RCW – Child Support Schedule for a complete look at Washington’s child support laws.

1. How is child support calculated in Washington State?
Child support is based on both parents’ net income and the number of children involved. The court refers to the economic table in RCW 26.19.020 and assigns each parent a portion of the obligation based on their share of the combined income. Additional expenses, like daycare or health insurance, can influence the final figure.

2. Can a child support order be modified?
Yes. If your circumstances have changed significantly—such as a job loss, pay increase, or changes in custody—you may petition the court to modify the support order.

3. What if a parent doesn’t pay child support?
Washington’s Division of Child Support (DCS) can take legal action, including wage garnishment, tax refund seizure, or suspension of licenses. Missed payments (arrears) also accrue interest.

Whether you're preparing to establish a support order, enforce one, or request a modification, securing professional legal guidance makes a significant difference. At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we’ve spent over 50 years helping Washington families resolve child support issues. If you’re facing a family law matter in Everett or Snohomish County, we’re here to help.

Contact us today for a free consultation and get clarity on your next steps.

Most everyone who has gone through a divorce will agree that the hardest part is dealing with child custody issues. Deciding who the children will live with a majority of the time can be a contentious issue, as parents are forced to make tough choices and compromise. Every decision you make during your divorce will affect your children, so you should take some time to address these issues with qualified Everett child custody attorneys.

Eventually, both parties will have to come to a consensus on these sensitive issues or seek a decision from the court. For some parents, reaching a mutual decision would be almost impossible without help from Everett child custody lawyers to guide them over each obstacle.

When you retain an Everett custody attorney from our law firm, they work with you directly to try and keep negotiations with your ex-spouse moving forward and make decisions with the best interests of your children in mind. This is made easier by the fact that we work with our Everett clients to establish a set of goals before negotiations begin. By maintaining the focus on your goals, our custody attorneys in Everett provide you with compassionate counsel when you most need it, so that you can get through this difficult time in your life.

According to Washington law, divorcing parents are required to develop a parenting plan that they agree upon or a judge orders. The document will clearly identify which parent the children live with and the time they spend with the other parent. The Plan will also address major decision making on behalf of the children and how disagreements about the Plan between ex-spouses are handled.

Crafting this agreement can be tricky, and our Everett child custody attorneys will work with you to create an agreement that puts the interests of your children first. Negotiations with the other parent are vital during this process and while this is not always easy, our Everett child custody lawyers will be at your side the entire time.

Our Everett child custody attorneys have witnessed firsthand how difficult creating a parenting plan can be. However, our experience in this arena will help you as you formulate an agreement that will directly impact the rest of your child’s life. Our Everett child custody lawyers help you design the parenting plan first while focusing on the goals you initially set forward, and when an agreement is reached we draft the final Parenting Plan which will be signed by the court.

Creating a parenting plan is just one aspect of your divorce proceedings. However, if child custody issues are on the agenda then you shouldn’t take any chances with the outcome. Your future, and that of your children, will hinge on the actions you take right now. Contact our law office today and speak with one of our experienced Everett family law attorneys about child support, or about modifying your current child support plan.