How Child Support Is Calculated in Washington State
When parents separate or divorce, one of the most common questions is how child support will be determined. In Washington State, child support is calculated using statewide guidelines designed to ensure children continue receiving financial support from both parents.
Understanding how child support is calculated can help parents feel more prepared as they navigate divorce or custody proceedings.
The Washington Child Support Schedule
Child support in Washington State is determined using the Washington Child Support Schedule, a standardized formula used by courts across the state. The schedule estimates the cost of raising children at different income levels and allocates those costs between both parents.
This system helps ensure consistency and fairness in child support decisions.
Step 1: Determining Each Parent’s Income
The first step in calculating child support is determining each parent's gross monthly income.
Income may include:
Salary or wages
Overtime or bonuses
Self-employment income
Rental income
Unemployment benefits
Certain disability benefits
Some deductions may also apply, such as existing child support obligations for other children, or a partial retirement deduction.
Once each parent’s income is identified, the court combines the amounts to determine the total combined net income used for the calculation.
Step 2: Determining the Basic Child Support Obligation
After calculating the parents’ combined income, the court refers to the Washington Child Support Schedule table. This table estimates the basic monthly cost of supporting children at different income levels.
The amount listed in the schedule is called the basic child support obligation and serves as the starting point for the calculation.
The estimated support amount varies depending on:
The parents’ combined net income
The number of children involved
Other considerations or extraordinary expenses, typically determined in a court hearing
Step 3: Dividing the Support Obligation Between Parents
Next, the court determines each parent’s percentage share of the combined income.
For example:
If one parent earns 60% of the total income, they are typically responsible for 60% of the total child support obligation and 60% of the children’s other expenses like required school fees and extracurricular activities.
The other parent would be responsible for the remaining 40%.
In most cases, the parent who has less residential time with the child makes a monthly child support payment to the other parent.
Additional Expenses That May Be Included
The basic child support obligation may not include all costs associated with raising a child. Courts may also consider additional expenses, such as:
Health insurance premiums for the child
Uninsured medical expenses
Daycare or childcare costs
Certain educational expenses
Extracurricular activities
These costs are typically shared between parents in proportion to their income.
When Courts May Adjust Child Support
Although the Washington Child Support Schedule provides a standard formula, courts sometimes adjust the amount in certain circumstances. These adjustments are called deviations.
A court may consider a deviation if, for example:
A parent has significantly more residential time with the child
A parent has unusually high medical or educational expenses
A parent supports children from another relationship
When a deviation is granted, the court will provide written findings explaining the reason for the adjustment.
Temporary Child Support During Divorce
In many divorce or custody cases, courts may establish temporary child support orders while the case is pending. Temporary support helps ensure a child’s needs are met until the court issues final orders.
You can learn more about this process in our article on temporary orders during a Washington divorce.
Can Child Support Be Modified?
Child support orders are not always permanent. In Washington State, support may be modified if circumstances change significantly.
Common reasons for modification include:
A substantial change in either parent’s income
Changes in the child’s needs
A change in the parenting schedule
Long-term employment changes
Washington law also allows certain support orders to be reviewed periodically.
Questions About Child Support in Washington?
Every family’s situation is unique. While the Washington Child Support Schedule provides a general framework, the details of each case—such as income sources, parenting arrangements, and additional expenses—can affect the final support amount.
Families in Tacoma and throughout Pierce County often have questions about how child support works during divorce or custody proceedings.
If you have questions about child support, divorce, or parenting plans, the attorneys at Morfitt Family Law can help you better understand the process and your options moving forward.
office@morfittfamilylaw.com | (253) 352-9700