In Washington State, child support orders are mandatory. These payments help ensure that separated or divorced parents can continue to provide for their minor children and raise them in financially secure environments.
How do courts determine child support?
This process begins when you and your ex-partner fill out your child support worksheets. Based on your respective income information, the judge will then proceed to add your incomes and use the Washington State child support schedule guidelines to calculate your “basic support obligation.”
If the amount does not cover all your children’s expenses, the judge may order both of you to share on these costs. Three examples of this include daycare, healthcare and long-distance transportation.
Who handles child support collections in Washington State?
The state agency Division of Child Support (DCS) is responsible for collecting support payments from non-custodial parents. The agency also handles child support order modifications and enforcements.
When can I modify my child support amount?
If your child support is a court order, your modification request must be submitted through the county prosecutor’s office. The DCS will review the details of your request and your supplemental documents.
While the DCS assesses modification requests on an individual basis, five valid “change of circumstances” may include:
- A significant change in your or your ex-partner’s income
- A change in your custody order
- A change in your parenting time arrangement
- An involuntary job loss
- A change in your children’s medical and/or educational expenses
Your supplemental documents must carry proof of your “change of circumstances”, be fair to the other parent and be pursued for the benefit of your children’s best interests.
By taking your time to learn about the state’s basic child support processes, you can let go of your uncertainties and make informed decisions that can help you and your children adapt better to your new situation.