Washington Child Support Guidelines

Washington State child support guidelines use the "Income Shares Model," which includes an economic table to calculate obligations based on both parents' net incomes, the number of children, and additional expenses like healthcare and education. Child support aims to cover basic needs until a child turns 18 or graduates high school, with potential extensions for post-secondary education or special needs.

Modifications can be requested due to significant life changes. The Division of Child Support (DCS) oversees applications and enforcement to ensure compliance with legal duties.

Parents have the legal duty to support their children regardless of whether or not the parents live together. This guide contains a comprehensive overview of the child support guidelines in Washington.

What are the fundamentals of child support in Washington State?

Child support payments help cover the expenses for the basic needs of the child. These payments often help provide for the following:

• Food and clothing
• Safe and stable housing
• Healthcare costs
• Educational expenses
• Childcare costs

Washington state law established guidelines to determine the appropriate amount of child support. These guidelines reflect the cost of raising the child and the parents' monthly net income. Washington uses the Income Shares Model and considers the financial situations of both parents.

How do you request child support in Washington?

There are several ways a parent can request child support in Washington:

Court Proceedings

Child support orders are often established during legal proceedings. These include the following:

• Divorce or legal separation
• Establishing parentage
• Domestic violence protection orders
• Child custody proceedings

Division of Child Support (DCS)

Parents can also apply directly through DCS services. They can enroll for child support services by completing an application through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services website. They can apply online or submit a paper application to the local DCS office.

Who pays child support?

Both parents are legally required to provide financial support to their children. In most instances, the noncustodial parent pays child support to the custodial parent. However, this does not mean that custodial parents are free of financial obligations. The state of Washington sets guidelines to calculate the support obligations of both parents.

In cases when the parents separate, the calculations adjust depending on their net income and the number of children living with each parent.

How does the court calculate child support?

The court calculates the amount of child support based on the Income Shares Model. With this model, the court looks at the proportion of parental income that the child would have received had the parents lived together to maintain the child’s standard of living. Washington State also uses a child support schedule and worksheet in determining the amount of support.

In general, a parent's child support obligation is set based on the parent’s net income. Net income is the income left after you deduct amounts from your gross income that you must pay for taxes and other expenses required by law. Child support considers several types of income to make sure parents have the ability to pay. These include:

• Wages and salaries
• Bonuses and commissions
• Self-employment income
• Rental income
• Social Security benefits
• Unemployment benefits
• Workers' compensation
• Alimony

There are a few deductions that you can take advantage of. These include the following:

• Federal income tax
• Self-employment tax (for individuals who work for themselves)
• Social Security and Medicare
• State industrial insurance (L&I)
• Mandatory union dues
• Mandatory pension contributions (in certain circumstances)

When does a parent’s child support responsibility end?

Most child support payments end once the minor reaches 18 years old or if the child is emancipated. Emancipation occurs through a court order or when the child does any of the following:

• Gets married
• Joins the military
• Moves out of the parents’ house
• Is convicted of a felony

Washington judges may order the parents to pay additional support to help with their child’s post-secondary education expenses. Child support may also continue indefinitely for children with special needs or physical or mental disabilities that prevent them from having the means to support themselves.

Can a parent ask to modify their child support order?

Yes. Either parent can request to modify an existing child support order. It's essential to note that child support does not automatically change along with new circumstances in the parents’ lives. The parent has to request that the court modify the child support order. If you have an existing case with the DCS, you can ask them to review the child support order.

DCS will review the child support order at your request. Some of the common reasons for the modification of child support are as follows:

• Changes in the child’s daycare or medical needs
• Changes in the parents’ jobs
• The parent had another child since the creation of the child support order
• The parent became permanently disabled
• The parent is receiving public assistance (such as food stamps, SSI, or TANF)

The following table highlights the main provisions of Washington's child support laws.

Note: This information provides general guidance about Washington State child support laws and is not intended as legal advice. While we strive to provide the most current information available, laws and procedures may change, and individual circumstances vary. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice about your specific situation.

Washington Child Support Guidelines: Related Resources

• Child Custody
• Child Support Enforcement
• Child Support Modification

Need Legal Advice on Child Support in Washington? Speak With a Family Law Attorney

Child support laws in Washington state can be complex. Various factors can affect the final determination of child support. If you have any questions or concerns about the child support order, consider consulting with a family law attorney. They can assist you in understanding your rights and obligations and guide you through calculating the amount of support that you have to pay.

Making sure the right amount is assessed for child support is of supreme importance. Consider contacting a child support attorney to protect your rights while keeping the best interests of the child in mind.