{"id":377067,"date":"2018-12-03T13:00:39","date_gmt":"2018-12-03T18:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/washington-law\/washington-child-support-modification.html"},"modified":"2025-04-04T15:57:47","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T20:57:47","slug":"washington-child-support-modification","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/washington-child-support-modification.html","title":{"rendered":"Washington Child Support Modification"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Washington Child Support Modification<\/h1>\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Child support guidelines determine the child support that parents pay in Washington. This calculation aligns with the child support<\/a> schedule established by the state, and the state presumes it is accurate.<\/p>\r\n

The Division of Child Support (DCS)<\/a>, a part of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), is key in enforcing and modifying child support orders. In some situations, the original child support order may no longer reflect the appropriate amount due to significant changes in circumstances.<\/p>\r\n

To request a change, parents must follow legal procedures for modifying support payments<\/a>, often with the help of DCS. Understanding the process and working with DCS ensures that the support payments remain fair and aligned with the needs of the child and both parents.<\/p>\r\n

If you have an issue with child support in Washington, talk to a family law attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

The Child Support Modification Process<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

If a parent loses their job<\/a>, accepts a lower-paying position, or takes on caregiving responsibilities, they may have a substantial change of circumstances. They can use this to justify modifying the existing order for child support.<\/p>\r\n

Either parent may seek to modify a child support order through two primary actions: filing a motion for adjustment of child support or submitting a petition to modify child support. Modifications can result in an administrative order<\/a> through the DCS or a court order<\/a> issued by the local superior court.<\/p>\r\n

You must complete court forms for court modifications, including a financial declaration detailing income and expenses. You then submit these forms to the court clerk with the required filing fee. The court evaluates the request, considering factors such as changes in the support amount or adjustments to the parenting plan<\/a>, and issues a final order.<\/p>\r\n

Washington Child Support Modification Overview<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Because the statutes contain detailed explanations, the most accurate interpretation of the law comes from an attorney. But understanding the law when it’s presented in readable terms is something anyone can appreciate. The chart below offers an overview of the state of Washington’s modification of child support laws.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Statutes<\/th>\r\n

Washington Revised Code:<\/p>\r\n

Reasons used to modify child support<\/th>\r\n

The following are some examples of reasons that can be used to modify a child support order:<\/p>\r\n

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  • Changes in the income of one or both parents<\/li>\r\n
  • Changes in the residential schedule<\/li>\r\n
  • The age of the children<\/li>\r\n
  • The number of children in the household (including children from previous relationships)<\/li>\r\n
  • Medical insurance costs<\/li>\r\n
  • Medical expenses<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Motion for adjustment of child support<\/th>\r\n

You can file this if the following conditions apply:<\/p>\r\n

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  • If it’s been two years since the initial order<\/li>\r\n
  • Either your or the other parent’s income has changed or<\/li>\r\n
  • It’s been at least one year, and the child turned 12 and changed the age category.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Petition to modify child support order<\/th>\r\n

One year after the initial child support order, you can file this if the following conditions apply:<\/p>\r\n