Support in Washington

How Washington Calculates Child Support

Washington uses an income shares model governed by RCW 26.19 and the Washington State Child Support Schedule. The guiding principle is that a child should receive the same level of financial support the child would have received if the parents had remained together.

The process begins by determining each parent’s gross monthly income. This includes all income from any source — wages, salaries, commissions, deferred compensation, overtime, contract-related benefits, bonuses, Social Security benefits, disability insurance, pensions, interest, dividends, rental income, and more. If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income based on that parent’s work history, qualifications, and available job opportunities.

The parents’ combined monthly net income is then used to look up the basic support obligation on the economic table in the Washington State Child Support Schedule. That obligation is divided between the parents in proportion to their respective net incomes. Additional expenses — including the child’s share of health insurance premiums, day care costs, and long-distance transportation expenses for visitation — are added and apportioned in the same proportion.

For a general overview of income shares models, see our guide on how child support is calculated. You can also get a preliminary estimate using our child support calculator.

The Washington State Child Support Worksheet

Washington requires the completion of a standardized Child Support Worksheet as part of every support proceeding. The worksheet walks through each step of the calculation:

• Each parent’s gross income and allowable deductions
• The combined monthly net income and corresponding basic support obligation from the economic table
• Each parent’s proportionate share of the obligation
• Standard adjustments for health insurance, day care, and other recurring costs
• Any deviation factors the court considers applicable

The worksheet creates a presumptive support amount. Courts may deviate from this amount, but only by making written findings that the presumptive amount would be unjust or inappropriate in the particular case. Grounds for deviation include income above the economic table’s upper limit, possession of significant wealth, shared residential schedules, and children from other relationships.

Modifying or Terminating Child Support

Either parent may petition to modify child support by showing a substantial change of circumstances. Washington also permits modification if application of the current schedule to the parents’ current incomes would result in a support amount that differs from the existing order by more than 25%.

Child support in Washington ordinarily continues until the child turns 18, or until age 19 if the child is still pursuing a high school diploma or GED. Support also terminates upon the child’s marriage, emancipation, or entry into military service.

Washington also allows post-secondary educational support under RCW 26.19.090, where the court may order a parent to contribute to a dependent child’s college or vocational education expenses.

Enforcement of Child Support Orders

The Washington State Division of Child Support (DCS) has broad enforcement authority, including:

• Automatic income withholding from wages
• Interception of tax refunds and other government payments
• Suspension of driver’s licenses and professional licenses
• Liens on real and personal property
• Passport denial for arrearages exceeding $2,500
• Contempt of court proceedings, which can result in jail time

Arrearages accrue interest and cannot be retroactively reduced. Any modification applies only from the date the petition is filed or the date of service, whichever the court determines.

Spousal Maintenance in Washington

Washington uses the term “spousal maintenance” rather than alimony. Maintenance is governed by RCW 26.09.090, which gives courts discretion to award support to a spouse who lacks sufficient property to provide for reasonable needs and is unable to support themselves through appropriate employment.

The court considers the following factors when determining whether to award maintenance and in what amount:

• The financial resources of the party seeking maintenance, including separate and community property apportioned in the dissolution
• The time necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the requesting party to find appropriate employment
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• The duration of the marriage
• The age, physical and emotional condition, and financial obligations of the spouse seeking maintenance
• The ability of the other spouse to meet their own needs while paying maintenance

Washington does not apply a fixed formula or durational guideline for spousal maintenance. Awards are highly fact-specific, and courts have wide latitude to fashion orders that fit the circumstances of each case. That said, longer marriages and significant income disparities between the spouses tend to produce longer and larger maintenance awards.

Modification and Termination of Spousal Maintenance

Either party may seek modification of a maintenance order by demonstrating a substantial change of circumstances. Maintenance automatically terminates upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient, unless the decree specifically provides otherwise.

Unlike some states, Washington does not have an automatic cohabitation termination provision. However, the paying spouse may argue that the recipient’s cohabitation constitutes a change of circumstances warranting modification or termination.

When to Seek Legal Guidance

Washington’s child support schedule and spousal maintenance framework both involve detailed calculations and significant judicial discretion. If you are navigating a support issue — whether calculating an initial obligation or seeking to modify an existing order — consider scheduling a free consultation with an experienced family law attorney who can evaluate your specific situation.

Statutes referenced: RCW 26.19 (child support), RCW 26.09.090 (spousal maintenance).

Frequently Asked Questions

How is child support calculated in Washington?

Washington uses a formula that considers both parents’ income, the number of children, custody arrangements, and expenses like healthcare and childcare. The court applies state guidelines to determine the base amount, though deviations are possible in certain circumstances.

Can child support be modified in Washington?

Yes. Either parent can request a modification if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, a change in custody arrangements, or increased expenses for the child. The court must approve any modification to an existing order.

How long does child support last in Washington?

In most cases, child support in Washington continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. Some states extend support through college or for children with special needs. Check Washington’s specific rules for exceptions.

What happens if a parent does not pay child support in Washington?

Washington has enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, and contempt of court proceedings. The receiving parent can work with Washington’s child support enforcement agency to collect unpaid support.

Does Washington award alimony in divorce cases?

Washington courts may award alimony (also called spousal support or maintenance) based on factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, and the standard of living during the marriage. Alimony is not automatic and depends on the specific circumstances of the case.