How Is Child Support Calculated in Washington State?

Navigating Child Support in Washington

Washington State has specific guidelines meant to provide judges and parents with consistent rules for determining the appropriate amount of child support that parents pay after a divorce. Child support payments can feel stressful and confusing, and there are complicated emotions surrounding these payments, including worry that the payments made will be used appropriately by the other parent.

We are here to explain how child support is calculated in Washington State, to give you context on what to expect, how to plan, and what you can do if you disagree with the court-awarded amount. This process can be complicated, and calculating child support is not a one-size-fits-all legal declaration. Let’s go through the guidelines, look at child support in Washington State, and address common worries, issues, and questions.

What Is Child Support?

Understanding the Basics

What is child support for? It is meant to cover essentials like housing, food, healthcare, and education—the minimums necessary to secure a child’s well-being. Child support fundamentals are for expenses that directly impact a child, and these payments should be used to cover costs that benefit both the parents and the child.

It is a security measure under Washington State law, determined by specific guidelines (and a child support calculator) that help determine the appropriate awarded amount. Judges take the cost of raising a child and the parents’ monthly income into consideration when decreeing the financial amount for child support. Washington uses the Income Shares Model, a child support guideline that helps estimate the total amount of money the parents would spend on the child if they were still living together.

Legal Framework for Child Support in Washington State

Specific Washington State guidelines, such as the Income Shares Model and RCW 26.19, govern how child support is determined. The court looks at the proportion of parental income that I child would have received pre-divorce to maintain the child’s standard of living. Washington State also uses a child support schedule and worksheet to determine the amount of child support and when it should be paid.

A parent’s child support obligations are often calculated based on:

• Wages, salaries, and income
• Bonuses and commissions
• Income from rental properties
• Social Security benefits
• Unemployment benefits
• Workers’ comp
• Alimony

Judges will also consider deductions and exemptions for child support based on:

• Federal income tax
• Self-employment tax
• Social Security and Medicare costs
• L&I
• Union Dues
• Pension contributions

How Is Child Support Calculated in Washington?

Key Factors the Court Considers

Combined Net Income of Both Parents

Washington State courts calculate the parents’ combined net income. This includes wages, bonuses, commissions, rental payments, etc. This figure serves as the foundation for determining child support payments and may be influenced by other factors.

Number and Ages of Children

Child support amounts can vary based on the number of children and their ages—older children have different needs than younger children, and the judge will weigh these expenses, including clothes, extracurricular activities, etc.

Parenting Time and Custody Arrangements

The amount of time each parent spends with the child—shared versus primary custody—and where the child lives can increase or decrease support obligations. If time is evenly split, child support might not be as expensive as a parent who must pay if they only see the child every other weekend. The courts will always consider fairness and the child’s best interest.

Special Needs or Medical Expenses

Additional child support may be required if a child has special needs or ongoing medical issues, therapies, or disabilities. It’s important for the courts to accurately account for these costs. For instance, if the child is constantly in the hospital, requires special medication not covered by insurance, or requires frequent out-of-state trips for surgeries, these costs will be considered.

Daycare and Education Costs

Childcare expenses for working parents, including educational costs like tuition, extracurricular activities, sports, daycare, et cetera are factored into the calculation. As children age, these needs might be altered, requiring changes to child support and custody agreements.

Health Insurance Coverage

Courts assign responsibility for a child’s health insurance premiums and uncovered medical expenses. Documenting these costs is essential for accurate calculations. For instance, if the parental couple’s insurance covered specific health issues, but that insurance was tied to one parent’s job, the courts will consider the balance of those costs.

When Child Support May Be Higher or Lower Than the Guideline Amount

Parents have additional situations to prepare for, including when child support may be higher or lower than the guideline amount. The child support obligation calculated under your state’s formula may not be what your co-parent actually pays—judges can order a higher or lower amount of support that is more appropriate.

Any deviations from the norm are decided on a case-by-case basis. Judges must consider certain circumstances, such as what the other co-parent can actually pay, what is fair, and other determining factors.

Your child’s special needs, such as medical, psychological, or educational needs, from standard to extraordinary, are considered based on the standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the parents continued living together. This amount can also be changed if a parent finds a better job, or becomes unemployed. The judge may also consider the travel costs of transferring children from one parent to another if they live far apart, a parent’s lowered expenses from living with a new partner, extraordinary changes in income, or other alterations to the guideline amount.

No child support agreement will be approved unless it conforms to the state guidelines or meets the legal exceptions for deviations.

What Are “Imputed Income” and “Voluntary Impoverishment”?

Voluntary Impoverishment is the act of not making enough money on purpose to avoid child support obligations. If a parent chooses not to have the necessary resources, such as working a job beneath their experience and education, or factors beyond their control do not compel their impoverishment, the court may find that a parent who owes child support may have to pay what they owe anyway.

Imputed income is when the court acts as though the parent does have an income when determining the child support payment. Judges will consider the parents’ age, physical condition, educational level, behaviors, employment and earnings history, and records of effort to obtain employment. Criminal record and employment barriers may be considered, as well as local employment opportunities and the status of the job market.

When determining voluntary impoverishment and whether to impute income, the courts will examine a parent’s total income and any other factors that impact a parent’s ability to pay for child support. Imputed income is often assigned based on the parent’s earning potential to offset voluntary impoverishment.

Transparency and retaining a lawyer can help protect against a court’s unfair calculations.

Modifying Child Support Orders

When Can Child Support Be Modified?

Significant changes in income, shifts in custody arrangements, a child’s evolving needs, unexpected medical expenses, living situations, and age can all factor into the necessity of child support modification. If a child support order is determined when the child was age three or four, and the child is now a teen, it may be beyond time to reconsider certain factors.

How Skyview Law Can Help with Modifications

Skyview Law has years of experience navigating child support modification requests efficiently. Our effectiveness as a supportive advocate helps clients gather documentation, secure quality representation, and achieve fair outcomes.

Child support orders are the state’s way of ensuring that parents take care of their child’s financial well-being post-divorce. Either parent can request that the court modify the order based on situational changes. Skyview Law can help you understand child support modification, why it’s necessary, and what you can do to improve your situation. If you find that your situation has become unfair, give Skyview Law a call.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support Calculation

How do I know that the amount of the child support order is fair?

Fairness is determined by Washington State’s child support guidelines and the court’s review of both parents’ financial circumstances. A judge will consider all available factors and determine the child support amount based on the child’s well-being.

What if the other parent is not paying what the court ordered?

In some cases, your co-parent may not pay their court-ordered child support. Whether this is voluntary or because of some inability to pay, it’s important to contact the Washington State Division of Child Support and file a motion in court. Nonpayment can lead to wage garnishments, license suspension, and other penalties, including arrest.

What if I do not want to pay the child support that the court ordered?

Court-ordered child support is legally binding, and nonpayment can result in serious legal consequences. Whether or not you want to pay the court-ordered child support, there are serious ramifications for failure to pay, which can follow you for years.

How do I change the child support order?

The modification process begins with filing a formal request with the court and demonstrating a significant change in circumstances, such as job/income loss, increased child expenses (such as daycare or medical costs), or having had another child since the order was created. A Family Law attorney can help you navigate this process.

Why Work with a Child Support Attorney in Washington

Parents can benefit from having an experienced attorney to guide them through Washington State’s child support process. A lawyer can ensure accurate calculations, advocate for fair adjustments, handle any disputes or enforcement issues, and overall reduce stress during this emotional time.

Family Law firms like Skyview Law have the experience and expertise necessary to offer support through divorce and child custody cases, which often require sensitivity, intimate knowledge of state law, and an appreciation of complex family dynamics.

Skyview Law: Your Partner in Child Support Cases

Skyview Law is your trusted local expert in Washington State child support cases. Our firm’s experience in child support cases, personalized approach, and proven track record in helping families achieve fair and workable solutions are what set us apart. Family Law isn’t only about pursuing justice; it’s about understanding the deeply complex nature of family relationships and doing our part to ensure you have peace of mind.

Contact us today for a FREE consultation and case review. We believe that child support is a fundamental and essential aspect of ensuring a child’s well-being. Whether you are making or receiving payments, Skyview Law PLLC can help ensure the best outcome, including petitioning for modifications or pursuing fair and equitable agreements that benefit your family.