Washington Child Support Payment

By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed June 19, 2025

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All parents are responsible for their children by law. Even if a parent doesn't want physical custody of their child, they're still required to provide for their children financially. While only the noncustodial parent is usually required to pay child support to the custodial parent, some states apply child support guidelines that consider the incomes of both parents to calculate the amount of child support that a child will receive.

In Washington, the Division of Child Support (DCS), a branch of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), manages child support services. The best way to make child support payments is through the DCS because it ensures the payor receives proper credit for fulfilling their child support obligation. While payments can be made directly to the custodial parent, it's important to have a written record so that the payor can get credit for those payments.

Washington Child Support Payments: Summary

Following the law is important, but sometimes it can be difficult to understand exactly what the law is since statutory language is often written in "legalese." For this reason, it can be helpful to read an overview of the law in plain English. In the following table, you can find an overview of laws governing how child support payments are made in Washington and links to applicable statutes.

Washington Child Support Payment Statute(s)

Washington Revised Code:

Washington Child Support Payment Options

While most payments are made by withholding wages, there are other options for making child support payments:

Washington Child Support Mandatory Wage Assignment

A petition or motion for mandatory wage assignment can be filed by the payee if the payor is either:

  • Subject to a support order that allows immediate income withholding
  • More than 15 days late in child support payments in an amount that's equal to or more than one month's payment amount

Difficulty Making Washington Child Support Payments

If making child support payments becomes difficult due to life changes, such as the loss of a job, the parent can petition the court to modify the child support order. For parents receiving public assistance, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), this can be especially important to ensure that the support order reflects their current financial situation.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the Washington law(s) you are researching.

Get a Better Understanding of Child Support Payments in Washington: Talk to a Lawyer

If you have questions about making child support payments or need help with a child support case, it’s best to seek legal advice from a knowledgeable family law attorney in the state of Washington. An experienced attorney can review your specific situation, provide legal assistance, and explain your options for moving forward. Start by reaching out to a Washington family law attorney..

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