Washington Child Support Laws: Guidelines and Calculations
How to Apply for Child Support in Washington
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) administers child support services through its Division of Child Support (DCS). The DCS provides services including paternity establishment, support order creation, order review and modification, and payment collection.
To apply for child support services in Washington:
- Create a DSHS account online to request an application
- Download the Application for Support Enforcement Services (Form 18-078)
- Mail completed applications to: Division of Child Support Central Services, P.O. Box 11520, Tacoma, WA 98411
The DCS responds to applications within 7 to 10 business days. You can locate child support offices near you here. Customer service is available at 1-800-457-6202.
The DCS does not provide legal representation to parents. If you need an attorney, consult with a Washington family law practitioner for guidance.
How Is Paternity Established in Washington?
Washington child support laws under RCW 26.26A provide multiple ways to establish paternity:
- Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage: Both parents sign the acknowledgment form at the hospital or through the Department of Vital Statistics after childbirth.
- Court Order: Either parent may petition the superior court to order genetic testing.
- Administrative Establishment: Parents may petition the DCS for administrative paternity establishment.
- Marital Presumption: When a child is born to a married couple, the husband is presumed to be the father.
Under RCW 26.26A.115(b), a man who openly holds a child as his own for the first four years may be presumed the father even without genetic proof.
Establishing paternity grants the child inheritance rights, potential veteran's benefits, and health insurance eligibility. It also creates custody and visitation rights for the father. A Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage is only valid if both parents sign it.
How Is Child Support Determined in Washington?
Washington uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support. Under RCW Chapter 26.19, both the courts and DSHS have authority to issue child support orders based on a standardized formula that considers:
- The gross monthly income of both parents
- The number of children in each household
- Health insurance costs for the children
- Work-related daycare expenses
- Any special needs of the child or parent
- The parenting time arrangement
How the Calculation Works
The court follows these steps to determine child support:
- Calculate gross monthly income for each parent from all sources, including wages, salaries, bonuses, self-employment income, and investments.
- Subtract allowable deductions including federal and state taxes, Social Security, mandatory union dues, and other required deductions to arrive at net income.
- Combine both parents' net incomes into a single figure.
- Reference the Economic Table in RCW 26.19.020 to find the basic support obligation based on combined income and number of children.
- Allocate the obligation proportionally based on each parent's share of combined income.
Health care costs are not included in the Economic Table. Monthly health care costs are shared by the parents in the same proportion as the basic support obligation. Day care and special child-rearing expenses, such as tuition and long-distance transportation for visitation, are also shared proportionally under RCW 26.19.080.
2026 Changes Under Engrossed House Bill 1014
Effective January 1, 2026, Washington enacted significant changes to the child support schedule through Engrossed House Bill 1014. Key updates include:
- Expanded Economic Table: The table now covers combined monthly net incomes from $2,200 up to $50,000. The previous table capped at $12,000, which forced courts to extrapolate for higher-income families.
- Updated Low-Income Floor: The previous minimum income level of $1,000 per month was raised to $2,200. For incomes below $2,200, the court conducts a case-specific review.
- Higher Self-Support Reserve: The self-support reserve increased from 125% to 180% of the federal poverty guideline for a one-person household. If the paying parent's remaining income after support would fall below this threshold, the support amount is reduced.
- New Payroll Deductions: Parents may now deduct Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) premiums and WA Cares long-term care trust contributions from gross income.
- Educational Expenses Removed: Educational expenses are no longer included in the basic support obligation under the Economic Table.
Support obligations for incomes between $2,200 and $12,000 remain unchanged from the previous schedule.
Grounds for Deviation
Under RCW 26.19.075, judges may deviate from the standard calculation when the amount would be unjust or inappropriate. Reasons for deviation include:
- Income of other adults in the household
- Involuntarily incurred extraordinary debt
- Significant disparity in living costs due to uncontrollable factors
- Special educational, psychological, or medical needs of the children
- Extraordinary income of the child
- Tax advantages available to either parent
The court must enter written findings explaining why the deviation is in the best interest of the child.
How to Calculate Child Support in Washington
Washington provides two official tools to estimate child support:
- Quick Child Support Estimator for a basic estimate
- Automated Washington State Child Support Schedule Worksheet Calculator for detailed calculations
You can also download the official Washington State Child Support Schedule (January 2026) for reference.
Calculator estimates may differ from what a court ultimately orders. The court commissioner, administrative judge, or superior court judge has final authority over the support amount.
The court may impute income for a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. This means the court assigns an earning capacity based on the parent's work history, education, and local job market conditions. The minimum child support amount in Washington is $50 per child per month under RCW 26.19.065.
How to Modify Child Support in Washington
Either parent may petition for a child support order review when circumstances change. A support order modification may result in an increase, decrease, or the obligation may remain the same.
Grounds for modification include:
- A change of at least 25% or $100 from the current order amount
- The order is at least 35 months old since the last review or establishment
- Substantial change in financial circumstances such as job loss, income change, or disability
- Change in parenting time arrangement
- Change in daycare or medical costs
- Birth of another child
These standards are set out in RCW 26.09.175.
To request modification:
- For administrative orders served by DCS: Complete Form 9-280B Petition for Modification
- For court orders: Complete Form 9-471 Child Support Order Review Request
- Download modification forms here
If you are unsure about your order type, call 1-800-442-5437 for assistance.
With the January 2026 changes under EHB 1014, parents currently paying support under older orders may find that recalculation produces a different amount. If the new calculation differs by at least 25% or $100, that alone may qualify as grounds for modification.
What Happens If You Do Not Pay Child Support in Washington?
Washington child support laws authorize the DCS or courts to use various enforcement tools under RCW Chapter 26.18 and RCW Chapter 74.20A when parents fail to pay:
- Income Withholding: Automatic wage garnishment through the employer under RCW 26.23.060
- Liens: Liens may be placed on vehicles, real estate, and other property
- License Suspension: Driver's licenses, professional licenses, hunting licenses, fishing licenses, and business licenses may be suspended or revoked
- Bank Account Seizure: Funds may be collected directly from bank accounts and other financial accounts
- Credit Bureau Reporting: Delinquent support may be reported to credit bureaus
- Passport Denial: Passports may be denied or revoked for arrears exceeding $2,500
- Tax Refund Interception: State and federal tax refunds may be intercepted
- Private Collection: Cases may be referred to private collection agencies
The DCS may take collection actions even if the noncustodial parent is not behind in payments, as a proactive measure to ensure consistent payment.
Contempt of Court
Under RCW 26.18.050, a custodial parent may file a contempt action when the paying parent refuses to comply with a court order. Contempt may result in fines, makeup payments, or jail time. You can download contempt of court application forms here.
Criminal Non-Support
Under RCW 26.20.035, willful failure to pay child support is classified as a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in county jail and a fine up to $5,000. In severe cases, the DCS may refer cases to a U.S. Attorney for federal criminal non-support prosecution.
How Long Do You Have to Pay Child Support in Washington?
Child support in Washington typically ends when the child:
- Turns 18 years old
- Completes high school (support may be extended beyond age 18 if the child is still enrolled in high school, per RCW 26.09.170)
- Becomes emancipated
- Gets married
- Joins the United States military
Your support order should specify the termination date. There is no automatic termination at age 19 under Washington law. Instead, the end date depends on the specific circumstances outlined in the order.
Support for Adult Dependent Children
Support may continue indefinitely if the child has a severe mental or physical disability that prevents self-support. Under RCW 26.09.100, the court may order support for an adult dependent child based on the child's needs and the parents' financial resources.
Postsecondary Educational Support
Washington courts may order parents to contribute to a child's postsecondary education under RCW 26.19.090. This type of support is separate from standard child support and is advisory rather than mandatory.
The court considers factors such as the child's academic aptitude, the parents' resources, and the family's expectations when the parents were together. Postsecondary educational support may not extend beyond the child's 23rd birthday except in cases involving mental, physical, or emotional disabilities.
The child must be enrolled in an accredited academic or vocational school, maintain good academic standing, and share academic records with both parents.
Early Termination Through Emancipation
At age 16, a minor in Washington may petition the juvenile court for emancipation. The minor must demonstrate the ability to manage their own financial and personal affairs. Consult with a family court attorney if you believe emancipation applies to your situation.
More Washington Laws
Washington Child Support Calculator
Estimate your child support obligation under RCW 26.19. This calculator provides a step-by-step breakdown with statute citations.
Washington Child Support Calculator
This state uses the Income Shares model, which considers both parents' income to determine a combined obligation, then splits it proportionally.
Based on RCW 26.19 · Effective January 1, 2026
Enter income details to see your estimate
How Washington Calculates Child Support
- •Washington determines child support using the "Economic Table" (RCW 26.19.020), which is the state's version of the Income Shares model and lists basic support obligations by combined net monthly income and number of children. The current table is effective January 1, 2026.
- •Unlike most Income Shares states, Washington does NOT automatically apply a parenting time credit based on overnights. Under RCW 26.19.075(1)(d), a residential credit may be applied when the non-custodial parent exercises substantial residential time, but it requires a specific court finding — it is not triggered by hitting a fixed overnight count threshold.
- •The Economic Table covers combined net monthly income from approximately $1,000 to $12,000 per month. For incomes above the table maximum, the court exercises discretion to set an appropriate support amount.
- •Health insurance premiums for the children, day care costs, and long-distance transportation costs for visitation are added to the basic obligation and divided proportionally between parents based on each parent's share of combined income.
- •Washington courts may deviate from the standard calculation when the child has special needs, when a parent has significant debt from a prior relationship, or when application of the guidelines would be unjust based on the totality of the circumstances.
What Is the Average Child Support Payment in Washington?
Estimated Average Monthly Payment
$1,153/month
Estimated Annual Total
$13,836/year
Washington does not publish an official “average” child support payment. This estimate was calculated using the Washington guideline formula above with median income data from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 2024 — Washington Median Earnings. Your actual amount will differ — use the calculator above with your own numbers for a personalized estimate.
Assumptions used in this estimate
- •Obligor net monthly income of $4,200 (Washington median full-time earnings after taxes, Census ACS 2024)
- •Obligee net monthly income of $3,400
- •2 children
- •$200/month for children's health insurance
- •No childcare costs; 52 overnights/year with obligor
Data year: 2024
Important Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides an estimate only based on Washington's child support guidelines. Actual court-ordered amounts may differ based on factors not captured here, including special needs, shared custody arrangements, travel costs, and judicial discretion.
This is not legal advice. Consult a family law attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Sources and References
- RCW Chapter 26.19 - Child Support Schedule(leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.19.020 - Child Support Economic Table(leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.19.075 - Standards for Deviation from Child Support Schedule(leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.19.065 - Standards for Lower and Upper Limits on Child Support(leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.19.080 - Allocation of Child Support Between Parents(leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.19.090 - Standards for Postsecondary Educational Support(leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW Chapter 26.26A - Uniform Parentage Act(leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.09.170 - Termination of Child Support(leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.09.175 - Modification of Order of Child Support(leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.09.100 - Child Support for Adult Dependent Children(leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement(leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.18.050 - Contempt Action for Failure to Pay Support(leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.20.035 - Criminal Non-Support(leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.23.060 - Income Withholding for Child Support(leg.wa.gov).gov
- Engrossed House Bill 1014 - Child Support Schedule Updates (2025)(leg.wa.gov).gov
- Washington State Child Support Schedule (January 2026)(courts.wa.gov).gov
- Division of Child Support - Washington DSHS(dshs.wa.gov).gov
- DCS Enforcement Actions - Washington DSHS(dshs.wa.gov).gov