In Washington State, over 290,000 child support cases are managed annually by the Division of Child Support (DCS), according to data from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. Child support payments directly affect the well-being of children, helping cover necessities such as housing, food, healthcare, and education.
To ensure fairness and consistency, Washington uses a standardized method for determining child support payments. This method is codified in RCW 26.19, which establishes the Washington State Child Support Schedule and mandates the use of an income shares model. This model is designed to approximate the financial contribution both parents would have made had they remained together.
The Washington child support calculator is a tool that helps parents estimate their monthly child support obligations based on this legal framework. However, while the calculator provides useful guidance, the final amount is determined by the court and may vary depending on the specific facts of each case.
The Legal Basis: RCW 26.19
Child support in Washington is determined using the Income Shares Model, as outlined in RCW 26.19. This model estimates the total cost of raising a child and divides the responsibility between the parents based on their incomes.
How Child Support is Calculated?
The following steps are used in determining monthly child support payments:
Calculate Combined Net Income
Each parent's gross income is totaled and reduced by certain deductions, such as:
- Federal and state taxes
- Health insurance premiums for the child
- Spousal maintenance (if applicable)
Determine the Basic Support Obligation
Using the Washington State Child Support Schedule, the court finds the amount that both parents are expected to contribute based on their combined monthly net income and the number of children.
Allocate the Support Obligation
Each parent’s responsibility is based on their share of the combined income. For example, if one parent earns 40% of the combined income, they are responsible for 40% of the basic support obligation.
Account for Additional Costs
Childcare, healthcare not covered by insurance, and education expenses are usually divided in the same proportions as the basic support obligation.
How to Use Washington Child Support Calculator?
The Washington State Division of Child Support (DCS) provides an official online child support calculator. This tool gives an estimate of your potential monthly support amount, but it is not a guarantee of the final court-ordered amount.
You can access the calculator here: Washington Child Support Estimator – DCS
Special Situations
While the child support schedule provides a standard formula, courts may approve deviations in certain situations:
- Shared Parenting Time: If the non-custodial parent has the child for more than 90 overnights per year.
- Additional Children: If either parent supports other children.
- High Medical or Educational Costs: If the child has extra expenses.
- Income Disparities: If applying the standard calculation would cause hardship.
Courts review each case to ensure that deviations serve the best interests of the child.
Low-Income Cases
If the paying parent earns below 125% of the federal poverty level, the court may reduce payments. However, the minimum payment is generally $50 per child per month, unless the court finds additional hardship.
Duration of Child Support
In Washington, child support typically continues until the child:
- Turns 18 years old, or
- Graduates from high school, whichever occurs later.
Parents may also request post-secondary support for college or vocational training if the request is made before the child turns 18. Support may also continue for children with significant disabilities.
Enforcement of Child Support
Failure to pay a court-ordered child support obligation in Washington can trigger enforcement actions by the Division of Child Support (DCS). Under both federal and state law, DCS has the authority to enforce child support orders through various legal mechanisms. Common enforcement actions include wage garnishment, where payments are automatically withheld from the paying parent’s paycheck.
Additionally, the state may impose a driver’s license suspension, file property liens against real estate or other assets, and execute a tax refund interception to collect overdue amounts. In severe cases, non-compliance may lead to contempt of court proceedings, which can result in fines or jail time until the parent complies with the support order. These enforcement measures are designed to ensure that child support obligations are met consistently and in the best interests of the child.
Modifications and Adjustments
Parents can request a change to a child support order if:
- There is a substantial change in circumstances (such as job loss or disability).
- The order is more than two years old, allowing for a Motion to Adjust.
Forms for adjustments and modifications are available at the Washington State Court Forms website.
The Washington child support calculator provides a starting point for estimating support obligations, but the final decision rests with the court. Parents are encouraged to use official resources and consult legal professionals when necessary.