Washington Child Support Order

A Washington child support order is a legally binding directive issued by a Superior Court or the Division of Child Support (DCS) under the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). These orders establish the financial obligations parents have to support their children, in accordance with RCW 26.19, the Washington State Child Support Schedule, and other relevant statutes. The goal of a child support order is to ensure children receive the necessary resources for their well-being, regardless of whether the parents are married, divorced, or separated.

How Washington Child Support Orders Are Calculated

Washington uses the Income Shares Model, outlined in RCW 26.19.020, to determine the child support obligation. The model assumes that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have had if the parents lived together. The calculation process involves several steps:

  1. Determine Gross and Net Income

Both parents' gross incomes are considered. Allowable deductions such as federal income tax, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and mandatory union dues are subtracted to calculate net income.

  1. Apply the Economic Table

The Washington Child Support Schedule Economic Table establishes the base amount of child support based on combined net income and the number of children.

  1. Allocate Support Proportionally

Each parent is responsible for a share of the support obligation based on their percentage of the total combined income.

  1. Add Extraordinary Expenses

Courts may include costs for health insurance, uninsured medical expenses, daycare, education, and long-distance transportation. These are typically shared according to each parent’s proportional income.

  1. Determine the Standard Transfer Payment

The non-custodial parent usually pays the calculated monthly child support to the custodial parent or directly to DCS, as specified in the court order.

Enforcement of a Washington Child Support Order

Failure to comply with a child support order may trigger enforcement actions under RCW 74.20A and federal regulations. The Division of Child Support (DCS) can:

  • Garnish wages and bank accounts
  • Suspend driver’s licenses and professional licenses
  • File property liens
  • Intercept federal and state tax refunds
  • Initiate contempt of court proceedings

For a detailed guide on enforcement, parents can contact the Division of Child Support Enforcement.

Modification of Child Support Orders

Under RCW 26.09.170, a Washington child support order can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include a significant increase or decrease in either parent's income, job loss, long-term disability, or incarceration. Changes in the child’s healthcare or educational needs may also warrant modification, as can the birth of additional children in either parent's household. If the current support order is more than two years old, parents may request an adjustment of the support amount without having to prove a substantial change in circumstances, as allowed under RCW 26.09.170(9).

Washington courts distinguish between two processes: a Motion to Adjust, which is typically used when updating the order due to straightforward income changes, and a Petition to Modify, which involves a broader review. A modification may alter not only the support amount but also tax exemptions, responsibility for healthcare costs, or provisions for post-secondary educational support.

Post-Secondary and Extended Support

According to RCW 26.19.090, a Washington child support order typically ends when a child:

  • Turns 18, or
  • Graduates from high school, whichever occurs later.

However, courts may extend support for:

  • Post-secondary education, if requested before the child’s 18th birthday or before graduation
  • Children with disabilities requiring lifelong support

Administrative vs Court-Issued Orders

Washington recognizes two types of child support orders:

  • Administrative Orders: Issued by DCS, often when no court action is taken. These include Notices and Findings of Financial Responsibility.
  • Court Orders: Issued by Superior Court and enforceable by law. These typically result from a divorce, legal separation, or paternity case.

Both types are enforceable, but they have different processes for modification and review.

Required Forms and Documents

To establish, adjust, or modify a Washington child support order, parents typically need:

These forms are available on the Washington State Court Forms website under Family Law > Child Support.

A Washington child support order ensures that children receive financial support consistent with the parents' combined resources. The state uses a statutory formula, but courts have the discretion to adjust for unique situations such as shared parenting time, healthcare needs, or educational expenses.

For additional information, consult the Washington State Child Support Schedule, RCW 26.19, and contact the Division of Child Support (DCS) for assistance with enforcement or modification.