Pullman Child Support Attorneys

Helping You Understand Your Rights & Obligations

Child support is a court-ordered payment made by one parent to the other to help cover the costs of raising a child. In Washington, child support is calculated using a specific formula that takes into account the parents’ incomes, the number of children, and other factors. While the formula is relatively straightforward, there are many situations in which it may be necessary to deviate from the standard calculation.

At Baumgarten Law Offices, PLLC, we understand that child support is a sensitive and often contentious issue. Our Washington child support lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and obligations, as well as the various factors that may affect your case. We can also help you with child support enforcement and modifications.

Call (509) 207-1282 or contact us online to request a consultation with our child support attorneys in Washington.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Washington?

Washington uses the Washington State Child Support Schedule to calculate child support. This is a formula that takes into account the parents’ incomes, the number of children, and other factors to determine how much the noncustodial parent should pay the custodial parent.

Some of the factors that are considered when calculating child support include:

• Each parent’s income
• The number of children
• The amount of residential time each parent has with the children
• Whether either parent has other children to support
• Whether either parent is paying or receiving spousal maintenance
• Whether either parent is paying or receiving child support for other children
• Whether either parent is paying or receiving public assistance
• Whether either parent is paying or receiving support for a child who is not a subject of the current proceeding
• Whether either parent is paying or receiving support for a child who is over the age of 12 and has a demonstrated need for additional support
• Whether either parent is paying or receiving support for a child who is between the ages of 18 and 23 and is attending high school

It is important to note that the Washington State Child Support Schedule is only used to calculate child support for combined monthly net incomes of $12,000 or less. If the parents’ combined monthly net income exceeds this amount, the court will determine the amount of child support based on the needs of the child.

How Long Does Child Support Last in Washington?

In Washington, child support typically lasts until the child turns 18. However, if the child is still in high school at the age of 18, child support will continue until the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first. In some cases, the court may order child support to continue past the age of 18 if the child is disabled and unable to support themselves.

What Is the Maximum Amount of Child Support in Washington?

In Washington, there is no maximum amount of child support. However, the Washington State Child Support Schedule is only used to calculate child support for combined monthly net incomes of $12,000 or less. If the parents’ combined monthly net income exceeds this amount, the court will determine the amount of child support based on the needs of the child.

What Happens If I Don’t Pay Child Support in Washington?

Child support is a court-ordered payment. If you fail to make your child support payments, you could face serious legal consequences. The other parent can take you to court to enforce the child support order. If the court finds that you have willfully failed to pay child support, you could be held in contempt of court. This means that you could be fined, ordered to pay the other parent’s attorney’s fees, and even sentenced to jail.

If you are unable to make your child support payments, it is important to take action right away. You may be able to request a child support modification from the court. If you have lost your job or have experienced a significant change in circumstances, the court may agree to lower your child support payments.

Can I Get a Child Support Modification in Washington?

If you have experienced a significant change in circumstances, you may be able to request a child support modification from the court. However, you cannot simply stop making your child support payments because you believe that you are paying too much. You must continue making your payments until the court approves your modification request.

Some of the reasons the court may agree to modify a child support order include:

• One of the parents has lost their job
• One of the parents has experienced a significant decrease in income
• One of the parents has experienced a significant increase in income
• One of the parents has experienced a significant increase in expenses
• The child has experienced a significant change in circumstances

It is important to note that the court will only agree to modify a child support order if there has been a significant change in circumstances. If you have experienced a temporary change in circumstances, the court may not agree to modify your child support order.

How Our Washington Child Support Lawyers Can Help

At Baumgarten Law Offices, PLLC, we understand that child support is a sensitive and often contentious issue. Our Washington child support lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and obligations, as well as the various factors that may affect your case. We can also help you with child support enforcement and modifications.

Call (509) 207-1282 or contact us online to request a consultation with our child support attorneys in Washington.