Child Support, Divorce, and Family Law in Washington State – A Practical Guide for Parents in Seattle

For parents in Seattle navigating a divorce or separation, understanding how child support is calculated and enforced is essential. Whether you're the one paying or receiving support, your child's financial well-being and your own legal responsibilities are directly tied to how well you understand Washington State’s child support laws. These rules are designed to ensure that children are supported in a fair and consistent manner, regardless of how parental relationships change.

Washington law outlines a structured approach to calculating support, determining how long it must be paid, and what happens when payments are missed. Knowing the basics can help you avoid disputes, plan for the future, and comply with court requirements. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about child support in Washington, with links to trusted public resources for further guidance.

How is child support calculated in Seattle?
Washington uses the “Income Shares Model” to calculate child support. This method estimates how much parents would spend on their children if they were living together. The court looks at both parents’ combined monthly net income and uses a standardized support schedule to determine a base amount. That total is then divided proportionally, based on each parent’s share of the combined income. You can review the economic table and support schedule in RCW 26.19.020.

Can child support orders be modified in Washington State, and if so, how?
Yes. You can request a modification if there's been a significant change in your financial situation or in the child’s needs. Common reasons include job loss, a substantial change in income, or changes in custody arrangements. A petition must be filed with the court, and the process may include documentation, court hearings, or mediation.

What income is considered when calculating child support in Washington State?
The court includes all sources of gross income: wages, salaries, bonuses, business income, disability payments, and more. From that, certain deductions, such as federal income tax, social security, and mandatory retirement contributions, are subtracted to determine net income. This is outlined in RCW 26.19.071.

How long does child support last in Washington State?
Generally, child support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. In certain situations, support can extend beyond this timeframe, such as when the child is disabled or pursuing post-secondary education, if a court order includes such provisions. For more information, see the overview provided by Washington Law Help.

What happens if child support payments are not made in Washington State?
When payments are missed, the Division of Child Support (DCS) can take several enforcement actions. These include wage garnishment, intercepting tax refunds, suspending professional or driver’s licenses, and potentially filing for contempt of court. Non-payment can result in serious legal consequences.

Understanding child support law is a critical part of protecting your rights and your child’s financial future. If you're unsure how the law applies to your situation or if you're involved in a support dispute, consulting with a knowledgeable family law attorney can help clarify your options and guide you forward.

Chapter 26.19 RCW sets out the guidelines courts must follow when calculating child support in Washington State. The law applies uniformly throughout the state, ensuring fair and predictable outcomes based on both parents’ income and the number of children being supported.

This section is designed to familiarize you with code. Seattle family law issues, including child support, are handled by the King County Superior Court.

RCW 26.19.020 – Basic Child Support Obligation
This statute describes how child support is calculated using a statewide economic table. The schedule reflects the amount parents would have likely spent on their children had they remained together. Courts begin by combining both parents’ monthly net incomes and referring to this schedule for a baseline figure. The amount may be adjusted later depending on case-specific factors.

RCW 26.19.071 – Determining Income
This section defines which income sources must be included and what deductions are allowed. Courts look at gross income—including wages, bonuses, business income, and pensions—then subtract taxes and other mandatory deductions to determine net income.
“All income and resources of each parent's household shall be disclosed and considered by the court when the court determines the child support obligation of each parent.”
Read the full text.

RCW 26.19.080 – Proportional Sharing of Support Obligation
Support is divided based on each parent’s proportion of the combined net income. If one parent earns 70% of the total income, they’re typically responsible for 70% of the child support obligation.
“The basic child support obligation derived from the economic table shall be allocated between the parents based on each parent's share of the combined monthly net income.”

RCW 26.19.075 – Standards for Deviation
The court has the flexibility to adjust the standard calculation if there are special circumstances.
“...The court may deviate from the standard calculation after consideration of the following: (i) Income of a new spouse or new domestic partner…”
View all possible deviation factors.

RCW 26.19.050 – Worksheets and Instructions
This law mandates the use of court-approved worksheets to calculate child support, ensuring consistency across all cases.
“The administrative office of the courts shall develop and adopt worksheets and instructions to assist the parties and courts in establishing the appropriate child support level…”

If you want to explore the full statute chapter, you can view Chapter 26.19 RCW in its entirety.

1. How is child support calculated in Washington State?
Child support is calculated using a formula that takes into account both parents’ monthly net income and the number of children. Washington’s child support schedule provides a recommended amount, which is divided between parents based on their income share. Factors like health care, daycare, and special needs may also be considered.
Use the Washington State Child Support Calculator.

2. Can a child support order be changed later?
Yes, either parent can request a modification if there’s been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a job loss, a significant income shift, or a change in parenting time. To begin the process, you must file a motion with the court.
Modification forms can be found here.

3. What happens if a parent fails to pay child support?
The Division of Child Support (DCS) can enforce payment through wage garnishments, seizure of tax refunds, license suspensions, and court actions. Missed payments—also called arrears—can accrue interest and lead to serious legal consequences.
Learn more from Washington DCS.

Whether you’re establishing child support for the first time or dealing with enforcement or modification issues, having a skilled legal team can make a major difference. At The Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we bring over 50 years of combined experience helping Seattle families resolve child support disputes and protect their financial future. Your first consultation is always free, and we’re here to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.

Contact us today to speak with a Washington child support lawyer, free of charge, who understands your concerns, and knows how to help.

While a number of issues must be dealt with while going through a divorce, issues involving children can cause emotions to rise precipitously. Child support is one of these issues, and addressing it warrants professional council from qualified Seattle support attorneys.

You obviously care about the future of your children, and Washington law requires that both parents provide support for their children after a divorce is completed. When it comes to child, the guidelines set forth in your parenting plan must be strictly followed, otherwise the court may take unwanted action against anyone that fails to comply to the terms of the agreement. Understanding your legal rights as defined by the law is essential when creating a parenting plan, and it is the role of our Seattle child support lawyers to help you through this process.

With more than three decades of collective experience handling sensitive family law issues, our Seattle child support attorneys will help you protect the interests of your children. Many people are eager to discover how much they will have to pay for child support, or how much money their child will receive from the other parent. Many factors must be considered including the number of children involved, their ages, expenses incurred by the child, and each parent’s net income. Other factors will likely come into play as the process unfolds, so you should clearly outline the specifics of your situation with one of our dedicated support attorneys in Seattle.

Our experienced Seattle child-support lawyers are ready to help you take the next step toward resolving your child support issues, so start getting some reliable answers today.

Our Seattle support attorneys help you in two ways: by providing you with sound legal counsel and helping you deal with the emotional strain that usually accompanies the divorce process. Our compassionate approach to a divorce helps our clients make better decisions and maintain a more civil discourse throughout divorce negotiations.

After helping you establish a series of goals, our Seattle child support attorneys work hard to achieve them by providing you with sound legal advice. Skillful negotiations with your ex-spouse and their attorney can often lead to an acceptable end result, but if necessary we are prepared to take your case to court.

You can arrange your own free consultation with one of our Seattle child support lawyers by giving our law office a call, or filling out our online form. One of our attorneys will contact you within 24 hours, giving you the opportunity to ascertain if you would like our law firm to represent your interests by asking questions to your most difficult questions.

Contact us today and take the first step toward your new life with help from one of our Seattle support attorneys who will act as your personal advocate while focusing on the best interests of your children.