We Can Help You Efficiently Resolve Your Child Support Matters
Each parent is responsible for providing support to their child. The court provides established guidelines for determining the amount of child support a child has the right to receive. Child support calculations take into consideration the income of both parties, the standard of living during the marriage and any special needs the child may have. Whether you are looking to collect child support for your child or you want to prevent unmanageable child support payment obligations, we can protect your rights.
Everett Family Law provides clients in central Washington with legal assistance focused on the best interests of the child, while helping clients protect their rights to child support or preventing against unfair obligations.
Child Support Enforcement And Modifications
If you are looking to collect child support, it is important to work with an experienced advocate. Calculations can be complicated and require a detail-oriented assessment of your financial situation.
Child support can also be affected by custody arrangements and can have tax consequences. Our attorneys understand the number of issues related to child support and have the insight for acute protection of your rights and interests. We provide legal representation for cases involving:
- Divorce and original orders
- Modifications of support orders
- Enforcement of support
- Paternity and support
What Are Washington State’s Child Support Guidelines?
Washington State uses a standardized formula to calculate child support, outlined in RCW 26.19. These guidelines are designed for fairness while prioritizing the financial needs of the child. The calculation begins with both parents’ combined monthly net income and allocates responsibility proportionally.
Several factors are considered when determining child support amounts, including:
- Each parent’s gross and net income, including wages, self-employment income, bonuses and certain benefits
- The number and ages of children involved in the case
- Mandatory deductions such as taxes, health insurance premiums and existing support obligations.
- The Washington State child support schedule, which provides a presumptive support amount
Recent updates to Washington law, such as raising the minimum floor income from $1000 to $ 2200 and increasing the self-support reserve from 125% to 180% of the federal poverty level, have reinforced the importance of accurate income disclosure to reflect cost-of-living changes.
How Do Custody Arrangements Affect Child Support In Washington?
Custody arrangements, referred to as residential schedules in Washington, can affect child support obligations. While child support is not automatically reduced due to shared custody, the amount of time each parent spends with the child may influence the final determination.
Key custody-related considerations include:
- Whether one parent is designated as the primary residential parent
- The number of overnight stays each parent has with the child
- Additional expenses incurred during residential time, such as food, transportation and activities
- Whether a deviation from the standard child support calculation is appropriate
An attorney can help present the necessary evidence and arguments to show how the custody arrangement should impact child support in a fair and legally supported way.
How Can A Child Support Order Be Modified In Washington?
A child support order in Washington can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common steps in a child support modification include:
- Filing a petition for modification with the appropriate Washington court
- Demonstrating a qualifying change, such as income changes, job loss or altered custody arrangements
- Providing updated financial declarations and supporting documentation
- Attending court hearings or settlement conferences, if required
Washington also allows for periodic adjustments based on changes in income or updated support schedules. Because mistakes can delay or derail a modification request, legal representation can help protect your rights and help ensure the court receives accurate and complete information.
What Happens If I Cannot Afford Child Support?
The family court in Washington considers child support a mandatory obligation. Many people feel they are unable to afford child support. The courts will always put the children first and usually do not consider a parent’s lifestyle when accounting for child support.
If you have had an injury, job loss or other situation that affects your income or ability to make payments, you may be able to get a modification.
If you owe back child support, it is important to seek counsel as soon as possible to prevent criminal charges and even potential jail time.
For more information about the services offered at Everett Family Law, call us in Kennewick at 866-689-6251. Questions about child support? Our 24/7 hotline at 509-279-0381 provides answers in English and Spanish. You may also contact our lawyers by email to schedule a consultation. We provide child support advocacy for our clients throughout central Washington, including Yakima and the Tri-Cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland.
Se habla español.