Child Support, Divorce, and Family Law – A Practical Guide for Parents in Olympia

For parents living in Olympia or elsewhere in Thurston County, navigating child support during a divorce or separation can be overwhelming. Whether you're just beginning the process or dealing with changes to an existing support order, understanding how Washington State law handles child support is essential. The state’s rules are designed to prioritize your child’s financial needs while ensuring both parents share responsibility in a fair and balanced way.

In Washington, child support calculations are governed by specific laws that apply statewide. These laws cover how support is determined, how long payments must continue, and what enforcement actions can occur if someone falls behind.

By learning the basics, parents in Olympia can approach the process more confidently, make informed decisions, and avoid unnecessary legal complications. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked child support questions, along with links to public resources for deeper investigation.

How is child support calculated in Olympia?
Child support in Washington is based on the “Income Shares Model,” which aims to reflect the amount parents would spend on their children if they were living together. The court looks at the combined net income of both parents and refers to the state’s economic table to determine a base obligation. This total is then divided proportionally between the parents based on their respective share of income.

View the state’s economic table

Can child support orders be modified in Washington, and how does it work?
Yes, modifications are allowed when there’s a substantial change in circumstances. This could include a major shift in income, a change in parenting arrangements, or increased financial needs of the child. To modify an order, a parent must file a motion with the court and provide supporting documentation. The process can involve a hearing and may also include mediation. For guidance, visit https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org.

What types of income is counted when calculating child support?
The court includes nearly all sources of gross income. This includes wages, bonuses, business revenue, pensions, and even disability benefits. Then, standard deductions such as taxes and mandatory retirement contributions are applied to determine net income. Washington law provides a detailed breakdown in RCW 26.19.071.

How long do child support payments last in Olympia?
Generally, support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later. However, if the child has special needs or is enrolled in post-secondary education, support may extend beyond the typical timeline if ordered by the court. More information is available at https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org.

What happens if child support isn’t paid in Thurston County?
The Washington State Division of Child Support (DCS) has broad enforcement powers. If a parent fails to pay, the state can garnish wages, seize tax refunds, suspend licenses, and initiate court actions. Missed payments—known as arrears—may also accrue interest.

Learn more about enforcement

Child support isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s a vital part of ensuring your child’s well-being and financial security. Whether you’re working out the details of a new order or trying to enforce or modify an existing one, the process can feel overwhelming.

That’s why it’s so important to work with a knowledgeable attorney who understands both the law and the local Thurston County court system. A skilled advocate can help you understand your rights, clarify your options, and pursue a resolution that truly supports your child’s future.

If you're navigating child support issues in Olympia or anywhere in Thurston County, it's important to understand how Washington law governs support obligations. Chapter 26.19 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) outlines the legal standards for calculating and enforcing child support statewide. These laws ensure fair, consistent outcomes, regardless of where parents reside or which county court oversees the case.

The Thurston County Superior Court follows the same statutory framework as all Washington jurisdictions when resolving child support matters. Here’s a breakdown of key sections of Chapter 26.19 RCW that directly impact how support is calculated, adjusted, and enforced.

RCW 26.19.020 – Basic Child Support Obligation
This statute defines how the court establishes a baseline child support amount using a standardized economic table. The court combines both parents’ monthly net income and consults the table to determine what the parents would likely spend on their children if they lived together. The resulting figure becomes the starting point for the total child support obligation.
Read the statute here

RCW 26.19.071 – Determining Income
This section clarifies how income is calculated for child support purposes. It includes all sources of gross income, such as wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, disability payments, pensions, and business income. The law then allows specific deductions, including federal income taxes, Social Security, and mandatory retirement contributions, to determine 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.”

RCW 26.19.080 – Proportional Sharing of Support Obligation
This statute explains how the court divides the total support amount between the parents. Each parent’s share of the obligation is based on their proportion of the combined net 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.”

RCW 26.19.075 – Standards for Deviation
The law allows courts to deviate from the standard child support calculation in certain circumstances. Common reasons include support obligations for other children, the child’s extraordinary medical or educational needs, or the income of a new spouse or domestic partner.
“...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
All child support calculations must be supported by standardized worksheets. These are required in every child support proceeding to ensure consistent application of the law.
“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…”

1. How is child support calculated in Washington?
The court uses the combined net income of both parents and the state’s child support schedule to calculate a base obligation. This figure is then split between the parents in proportion to their income. You can estimate payments using the Washington State Child Support Calculator.

2. Can a child support order be changed after it’s been finalized?
Yes. You may request a modification if circumstances have changed significantly, such as income loss, a change in parenting time, or increased expenses. Forms and instructions for requesting a modification are available.

3. What happens if child support isn’t paid?
Missed payments can lead to serious enforcement actions, including wage garnishment, license suspension, and seizure of tax refunds. The Division of Child Support (DCS) manages these enforcement efforts.

Trusted Legal Guidance for Parents in Olympia and Thurston County
If you're dealing with child support issues in Olympia, you don't have to navigate the process alone. At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we bring over 50 years of combined legal experience helping parents throughout Thurston County protect their rights and build solutions that serve their children's needs. Your first consultation is completely free, and we’re here to help you find clarity in a complex legal process.

Contact us today to speak with an Olympia child support attorney who understands the law and knows how to help.

As child support attorneys based in Olympia, we understand the immense emotional and financial stress child support cases bring. Navigating through the complexities of the legal system while ensuring the best interests of your children can be overwhelming. Our role is to alleviate that burden, offering guidance and support through every step of the process. We are committed to working tirelessly on your behalf to achieve a fair resolution that safeguards your children's future and eases the strain on your family.

The Washington Child Support Guidelines establish the structure for assessing parental responsibilities toward child support in the state. Their purpose is to guarantee that children receive sufficient financial assistance from their parents and balance parents' financial contributions according to their income and the child's needs. Key elements of the guidelines include:

1. Income Calculation: The guidelines start by identifying the gross income of both parents, including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, and other sources of income. The aim is to calculate each parent's monthly income accurately.
2. Basic Support Schedule: To ensure that child support amounts are fair and consistent, the state provides a Basic Support Schedule that recommends the total amount of support needed based on the parents’ combined monthly income and the number of children.
3. Income Proportion: Parents divide child support obligations according to their proportionate share of the combined monthly income. This approach ensures that both parents contribute to their child's support in a way that reflects their financial ability.
4. Health Care And Education Costs: Beyond basic living expenses, the guidelines also consider the child's health care and education costs. Parents may be required to share these expenses, often in proportion to their income.
5. Special Needs: If a child has special needs, the guidelines allow additional support to cover these expenses, ensuring the child receives the necessary care and aid.
6. Age-Based Adjustments: The guidelines acknowledge that the costs of raising a child can vary by age, allowing for adjustments to the support amount as the child ages.
7. Parenting Plan Factors: A child's time with each parent can influence child support calculations. More time with the paying parent might reduce the support amount to account for the direct care costs.
8. Minimum Support Obligations: The minimum support obligation ensures that the child receives a basic level of support regardless of the parents' income levels.
9. Modification Provisions: Adjustments to child support orders in cases of notable changes in circumstances, such as shifts in income, alterations in the child's requirements, or adjustments in living arrangements are permitted under the guidelines.

These guidelines aim to ensure that child support determinations are equitable, consistent, and meet the children's needs, reflecting the economic reality of raising children today. They provide a structured approach for courts to follow, promoting fairness and accountability among parents.

You can estimate your child support payments in Washington using the Washington State Child Support Schedule Calculator, designed to assist parents in understanding how the state's guidelines might apply to their situation.

To use the calculator effectively, you'll need to gather financial information, including both parents' gross monthly incomes, the number of children, any existing child support or alimony payments, and details about health insurance premiums and daycare expenses that pertain to the child. The tool takes this information and the parenting plan details—such as the time the child spends with each parent—and applies the guidelines to provide an estimated monthly child support amount.

It's important to remember that this estimate is a starting point, as child support orders may vary based on additional factors the court considers, such as the child's special needs, the parent's ability to pay, and any other relevant financial obligations or considerations. For precise calculations and legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances, consulting with a family law attorney or a child support enforcement officer in Washington can provide clarity and ensure that the estimate closely aligns with what the court may order.

Parents can determine child support arrangements outside of the courts in Washington State by negotiating an agreement directly with each other or with the assistance of a mediator or a neutral third party, who will facilitate the process of reaching a mutually agreeable arrangement. This process gives them more control over the terms of the child support agreement, potentially leading to more flexible and personalized arrangements that better suit the family's unique needs.

After reaching an agreement, parents must submit it to the court for approval to ensure it meets the child's best interests and complies with Washington State's child support guidelines. The court reviews the agreement to ensure it provides adequate support for the child and does not deviate significantly from what the guidelines would otherwise suggest without just cause. Upon court approval, the agreement transforms into a legally binding order, possessing enforceability akin to any other court-issued child support arrangement.

Negotiation can save time and alleviate the emotional stress commonly linked with court proceedings, making it beneficial for numerous families. However, seeking advice from a family law attorney can ensure that the agreement protects everyone's rights and interests, especially the child's.

In Thurston County, Washington, you can adjust child support payments under certain circumstances. The process involves demonstrating a significant change in circumstances since the court established the last order or discovering new information unavailable at that time. Here's how to proceed:

1. Identify A Significant Change: Washington law allows for modifying child support orders if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as an adjustment in either parent's income, the child's financial needs, custody arrangements, or other relevant factors.
2. Review The State Guidelines: Before applying for a modification, review the Washington State Child Support Guidelines to understand how changes in circumstances might affect the child support calculation.
3. Prepare The Modification Request: Complete the required forms to request a modification of your child support order. These forms are available from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) or the Thurston County court's website.
4. File A Request: Submit your completed forms to the Thurston County Clerk's Office. A filing fee is required, although fee waivers are accessible for individuals meeting eligibility criteria based on financial need.
5. Serve The Other Parent: The law requires you to notify the other parent of your request for modification by serving them with the filed documents, ensuring they have an opportunity to respond.
6. Attend The Hearing: The court will arrange a hearing where both parents can present evidence supporting their stances concerning the modification. Be prepared to show how the circumstances have changed since the last order and how those changes affect the child support calculation.
7. Court Decision: Upon reviewing the evidence, the judge will determine whether to amend the child support order. If the judge accepts the modification, they will issue a new order reflecting the updated support amount.

Seek guidance from an Olympia attorney who specializes in child support. They will help you prepare your case, represent you in court, and ensure that the new child support order reflects the child's best interests while considering both parents' financial abilities.

In Washington State, if the other parent isn't fulfilling their child support obligation, you can enforce the court order. Taking proactive steps can help ensure your child receives the financial support they need. Here are actions you can pursue:

• Contact The Division Of Child Support (DCS): First, contact the Washington State Division of Child Support. DCS can take various actions to collect past due child support, including wage garnishment, intercepting tax refunds, and placing liens on property.
• Request A Contempt Hearing: When the other parent fails to follow a child support order, you can file a motion for contempt in court. If the court finds them in contempt, they may face penalties like fines or jail time to compel payment.
• License Suspension: Another means of enforcement is suspending the non-paying parent's driver's license, professional license, and recreational license.
• Passport Denial: If the past due child support amount reaches a certain threshold, authorities can deny issuing or renewing a passport to the non-paying parent.
• Bank Account Seizure: DCS can seize funds from the non-paying parent's bank accounts to cover unpaid child support.
• Payment Plan: In some cases, working out a payment plan with the non-paying parent might be possible, especially if their failure to pay is due to a temporary financial hardship. DCS can facilitate these agreements.

These strategies hold promise for successfully motivating delinquent parents to meet their child support obligations. It's advisable to seek advice from a family law attorney, who can recommend the most suitable course of action and advocate for your interests in legal proceedings if needed. Our Thurston County child support attorneys are always here to help with challenging cases. Contact us now to learn more.