How is child support calculated in Washington?

Washington child support is governed by RCW Chapter 26.19 and the Washington State Child Support Schedule (WSCSS) Workgroup forms.

1. The Income Shares Calculation (RCW 26.19.071)

Determine each parent's monthly net income.

Combine net incomes.

Find the basic obligation on the Economic Table in RCW 26.19.020 by combined income and number of children.

Each parent owes a pro rata share by income.

2. Net Income (RCW 26.19.071(5))

Gross income (wages, self-employment, interest, dividends, pensions, Social Security, workers' comp, disability, etc.) less:

Federal income tax (actual liability)

FICA

State industrial insurance

Mandatory union/professional dues

Mandatory pension/retirement contributions

Voluntary pension up to certain limits

Spousal maintenance actually paid

Child support actually paid for other children

Normal business expenses (self-employed)

3. The Cap and Floor

The Economic Table caps at $12,000 combined monthly net income; above the cap, the court has discretion. The presumptive minimum is $50/month per child (subject to lower limits in low-income situations).

4. Add-Ons (RCW 26.19.080)

Day care and special child rearing expenses

Health insurance premium for the child

Long-distance transportation for visitation

Uninsured medical

5. Residential Time Adjustment

Washington's basic formula does not automatically adjust for shared residential time. Instead, the obligor may request a deviation under RCW 26.19.075 based on substantial residential time, but courts must find that the deviation will not result in insufficient funds in the receiving household.

6. Duration (RCW 26.09.170)

Support continues until the child reaches age 18 OR graduates from high school, whichever occurs later.

7. Post-Secondary Support (RCW 26.19.090)

Washington courts have discretionary authority to order post-secondary educational support beyond age 18 — a unique statutory feature. Factors include the child's age, academic record, parental support of similarly situated children, and parents' education levels.

8. Modification (RCW 26.09.170)

Either party may petition to modify on a substantial change in circumstances. A party may also petition for adjustment based on the schedule every 24 months without showing changed circumstances.

This is legal information, not legal advice.