Washington
Washington Child Support Laws (2026): Guidelines & Calculator
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 16, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 16, 2026. · 21 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Washington calculates child support using the Income Shares Model under RCW 26.19, combining both parents' net monthly incomes and referencing the Economic Table to set the basic obligation. Support typically ends when a child turns 18 or finishes high school. Use the Washington child support calculator below to estimate a guideline amount, or open the full Washington child support calculator for a detailed breakdown.
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 file it afterward with the state registrar of vital statistics, the office within the Washington State Department of Health that maintains birth records.
- 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: An individual married to, or in a state registered domestic partnership with, the person who gave birth is presumed to be a parent of a child born during the marriage or partnership, or born not later than 300 days after it ends by death, dissolution, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or legal separation.
Under RCW 26.26A.115(1)(b), a person may also be presumed a parent without genetic proof, but the test has two parts and both must be met: the individual resided in the same household with the child for the first four years of the child's life, including any period of temporary absence, and openly held the child out as the individual's child. Holding the child out on its own does not create the presumption.
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, including medical, dental, orthodontia, vision, chiropractic, mental health treatment, and prescription medications. 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. For combined incomes above $50,000, courts may exceed the table's presumptive amount upon written findings of fact.
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. For a quick estimate, open the Washington child support calculator on this site.
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.
Common grounds for modification include:
- Substantial change in financial circumstances such as job loss, income change, or disability
- The order is at least 24 months old and a party's income has changed, or the economic table or standards in chapter 26.19 RCW have changed (no substantial-change showing required, RCW 26.09.170(9)(a))
- The order is at least one year old and, without a change, it would cause severe economic hardship, or the child is still enrolled in high school and support needs to continue (RCW 26.09.170(8))
- Change in parenting time arrangement
- Change in daycare or medical costs
- Birth of another child
Which statute applies depends on the type of order. For a court order, RCW 26.09.170(9)(a) lets either party file for an adjustment 24 months after the order was entered or last adjusted, based on changes in a party's income or changes in the economic table or standards in chapter 26.19 RCW, with no substantial-change showing. For a DCS administrative order, the parallel provision is RCW 74.20A.059(6), which allows an income-based adjustment once every 24 months.
RCW 26.09.170(10) is sometimes described as a 15 percent modification rule, but it is a department-initiated route rather than a threshold a parent may file on. It allows the Division of Child Support to bring a modification action where the order differs by at least 15 percent from the standard calculation: on that difference alone in public assistance cases, and in nonassistance cases only where the case also meets the department's review criteria and a party or another jurisdiction has requested a review.
Under WAC 388-14A-3901, DCS must conduct an administrative review when 35 months have passed since the order was entered, last modified, or last reviewed, particularly in cases involving public assistance. A parent may also request an administrative review at any time through the DCS.
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. A change to the chapter 26.19 RCW schedule is itself a recognized basis for adjustment without proving changed circumstances: 24 months after entry or last adjustment for a court order under RCW 26.09.170(9)(a), and after only 12 months for a DCS administrative order under RCW 74.20A.059(7)(a).
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
Missing payments on a support order is not itself a state crime in Washington. Nonpayment of an order is handled through contempt and the administrative enforcement tools above. The state offense is narrower: under RCW 26.20.035, a person who is able to provide support, or able to earn the means to provide it, and who willfully omits to provide necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical attendance to a dependent child, or to a spouse or domestic partner, commits family nonsupport, 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. Washington courts may order continued 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum child support payment in Washington?
The minimum child support amount in Washington is $50 per child per month. Under RCW 26.19.065(2)(a), a paying parent's net income falling below 180 percent of the federal poverty guideline for a one-person family is precisely what triggers that $50-per-child minimum. The self-support reserve does not push support below it either: RCW 26.19.065(2)(b) applies the reserve except for the presumptive minimum payment of $50 per child per month. The only route below $50 is for the obligor parent to establish that entering that amount would be unjust in the particular case.
What changed about Washington child support in 2026?
Engrossed House Bill 1014 took effect on January 1, 2026. The law expanded the Economic Table to cover combined monthly net incomes up to $50,000 (previously $12,000), raised the self-support reserve from 125% to 180% of the federal poverty guideline, allowed deductions for PFML and WA Cares premiums, and removed educational expenses from the basic support obligation.
How long does it take to get a child support order in Washington?
The DCS typically responds to applications within 7 to 10 business days. The entire process to establish an order can take several weeks to a few months depending on case complexity, whether paternity must be established, and whether the other parent cooperates.
Can Washington courts order support for college expenses?
Yes. Under RCW 26.19.090, courts may order parents to contribute to postsecondary educational expenses. This is a separate, advisory determination. The child must be enrolled in an accredited school, maintain good academic standing, and share records with both parents. This support cannot extend past the child's 23rd birthday except in cases involving disability.
What happens if I lose my job and cannot pay child support?
You should immediately petition the court or DCS for a modification. Continue making whatever payments you can. Do not simply stop paying, as arrears will accumulate and enforcement actions may begin. A substantial change in financial circumstances qualifies as grounds for modification. For a court order, RCW 26.09.170(9)(a) also lets either party seek an adjustment based on income changes alone 24 months after the order was entered or last adjusted, without proving a substantial change in circumstances. RCW 74.20A.059(6) is the parallel provision for a DCS administrative order.
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
$1,141/month
Estimated Annual Total
$13,692/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.
Updates
Corrected the modification, minimum-payment, parentage-presumption and criminal-nonsupport sections against the current RCW text: the 15 percent modification action belongs to the Division of Child Support rather than parents, RCW 74.20A.059 governs administrative orders only, the self-support reserve triggers the $50-per-child minimum rather than allowing support below it, the parentage presumptions are stated gender-neutrally with all required elements, and family nonsupport under RCW 26.20.035 is not the crime of missing support payments.
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes
Corrected the child-support modification threshold from an unsupported 25%/$50-per-month figure to the 15% standard-calculation threshold actually stated in RCW 26.09.170(10), and removed the RCW 26.09.100 citation from the adult-disabled-child support claim (that section governs periodic adjustment mechanics, not disability support) along with relabeling it correctly in the Sources list.
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Reviewed and approved by an editor
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Revised Code of Washington
§ 26.19.020Child support economic table.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
ECONOMIC TABLE MONTHLY BASIC SUPPORT OBLIGATION PER CHILD combined monthly net income one child family two children family For income less than $2,200 the obligation is based upon the resources and living expenses of each household. Minimum support may not be less than $50 per child per month except when allowed by RCW…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-03 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 103 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
In the courts (editorial summary, independently checked):In re the Marriage of Leslie (1998) held that when the parents' combined net monthly income exceeds the RCW 26.19.020 economic table, a court is not limited to the schedule's maximum and may exceed that amount upon written findings of fact. In Re Marriage of Fiorito (2002) applied Leslie, holding the court keeps discretion to add nothing.
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- In Re Marriage of Griffin (Washington Supreme Court 1990, 114 Wash. 2d 772)✓A father sought a downward adjustment after support rose to $424 per child, citing his ex-wife's remarriage and his costs. Applying the 1988 version of RCW 26.19.020, since rewritten, the court held trial courts may deviate from the schedule but found no abuse of discretion.
- In re the Marriage of Leslie (Court of Appeals of Washington 1998, 90 Wash. App. 796)✓A father netting $29,000 a month had support cut to $1,400 after the trial court treated anything above the $7,000 economic table as a deviation. The court held a trial court is not capped at the table's top and must weigh the totality of the finances, and vacated the order.
- In Re Marriage of Fiorito (Court of Appeals of Washington 2002, 50 P.3d 298)✓A wealthy father was ordered to pay $1,500 a month for twin daughters though his income far exceeded the table's top figure. The court held the RCW 26.19.020 table is not presumptive above $7,000 combined net income and a judge may find no added support warranted, and affirmed.
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Child Support Laws in the United States (2026)
§ 26.19.065Standards for establishing lower and upper limits on child support amounts.In force
(1) Limit at 45 percent of a parent's net income. Neither parent's child support obligation owed for all his or her biological or legal children may exceed 45 percent of net income except for good cause shown. (a) Each child is entitled to a pro rata share of the income available for support, but the court only applies the pro rata share to the children in the case before the court. (b) Before determining whether to apply the 45 percent limitation, the court must consider whether it would be unjust to apply the limitation after considering the best interests of the child and the circumstances of each parent. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, leaving insufficient funds in the custodial parent's household to meet the basic needs of the child, comparative hardship to the affected households, assets or liabilities, and any involuntary limits on either parent's earning capacity including incarceration, disabilities, or incapacity. (c) Good cause includes, but is not limited to, possession of substantial wealth, children with day care expenses, special medical need, educational need, psychological need, and larger families.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 49 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- In re the Marriage of Cota (Court of Appeals of Washington 2013, 177 Wash. App. 527)“…tsecondary educational support was proper, and (3) violated RCW 26.19.065(1) because the award of postsecondary e…”
- McCausland v. McCausland (Court of Appeals of Washington 2005, 118 P.3d 944)“…s is the "[s]tandard calculation." RCW 26.19.011(8). ¶ 37 RCW 26.19.065 provides standards for the upper limits…”
- In Re Marriage of Daubert (Court of Appeals of Washington 2004, 99 P.3d 401)“…he economic table is authorized when incomes exceed $7,000. RCW 26.19.065(3). The amount of support for incomes w…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 26.19.075Standards for deviation from the standard calculation.In force
(1) Reasons for deviation from the standard calculation include but are not limited to the following: (a) Sources of income and tax planning. The court may deviate from the standard calculation after consideration of the following: (i) Income of a new spouse or new domestic partner if the parent who is married to the new spouse or in a partnership with a new domestic partner is asking for a deviation based on any other reason. Income of a new spouse or new domestic partner is not, by itself, a sufficient reason for deviation; (ii) Income of other adults in the household if the parent who is living with the other adult is asking for a deviation based on any other reason. Income of the other adults in the household is not, by itself, a sufficient reason for deviation; (iii) Child support actually received from other relationships; (iv) Gifts; (v) Prizes; (vi) Possession of wealth, including but not limited to savings, investments, real estate holdings and business interests, vehicles, boats, pensions, bank accounts, insurance plans, or other assets; (vii) Extraordinary income of a child; (viii) Tax planning considerations.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 138 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- In Re the Marriage of Crosetto (Court of Appeals of Washington 1996, 82 Wash. App. 545)“…calculation, based upon consideration of statutory factors (RCW 26.19.075); and allocate each parent’s support ob…”
- In re the Marriage of Leslie (Court of Appeals of Washington 1998, 90 Wash. App. 796)“…propriate amount of support pursuant to deviation standard [RCW 26.19.075]l(a)(i). Likewise, pursuant to deviatio…”
- Harmon v. Department of Social & Health Services (Washington Supreme Court 1998, 134 Wash. 2d 523)“…pouse is not, by itself, a sufficient reason for deviation. RCW 26.19.075(l)(a)(i). In making its recommendatio…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 26.19.080Allocation of child support obligation between parents—Court-ordered day care or special child rearing expenses.In force
(1) The basic child support obligation derived from the economic table shall be allocated between the parents based on each parent's share of the combined monthly net income. (2) Health care costs are not included in the economic table. Monthly health care costs shall be shared by the parents in the same proportion as the basic child support obligation. Health care costs shall include, but not be limited to, medical, dental, orthodontia, vision, chiropractic, mental health treatment, prescription medications, and other similar costs for care and treatment. (3) Day care and special child rearing expenses, such as tuition and long-distance transportation costs to and from the parents for visitation purposes, are not included in the economic table. These expenses shall be shared by the parents in the same proportion as the basic child support obligation. If an obligor pays court or administratively ordered day care or special child rearing expenses that are not actually incurred, the obligee must reimburse the obligor for the overpayment if the overpayment amounts to at least 20 percent of the obligor's annual day care or special child rearing expenses.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 97 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- In Re the Marriage of Mattson (Court of Appeals of Washington 1999, 95 Wash. App. 592)“…rsement op Day-Care Costs Citing a 1996 amendment to RCW 26.19.080(3), Mattson argues that he should be en…”
- In re the Marriage of McNaught (Court of Appeals of Washington 2015, 189 Wash. App. 545)“…is trips to Texas, including room and board and car rental. RCW 26.19.080(3) states that long-distance travel cos…”
- In re the Marriage of Daubert (Court of Appeals of Washington 2004, 124 Wash. App. 483)“…unt of child support to be apportioned between the parents. RCW 26.19.080(2). Day care and special child rearing…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 26.09.170Modification of decree for maintenance or support, property disposition—Termination of maintenance obligation and child support—Grounds. (Effective until April 1, 2027.)In forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) Except as otherwise provided in RCW 26.09.070(7), the provisions of any decree respecting maintenance or support may be modified: (a) Only as to installments accruing subsequent to the petition for modification or motion for adjustment except motions to compel court-ordered adjustments, which shall be effective as of the first date specified in the decree for implementing the adjustment; and, (b) except as otherwise provided in this section, only upon a showing of a substantial change of circumstances. The provisions as to property disposition may not be revoked or modified, unless the court finds the existence of conditions that justify the reopening of a judgment under the laws of this state. (2) Unless otherwise agreed in writing or expressly provided in the decree the obligation to pay future maintenance is terminated upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the party receiving maintenance or registration of a new domestic partnership of the party receiving maintenance.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 268 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- In Re the Marriage of Washburn (Washington Supreme Court 1984, 101 Wash. 2d 168)“…n, considering all relevant factors, be just. Additionally, RCW 26.09.170 authorizes the court to continue the ma…”
- In re the Marriage of Moody (Washington Supreme Court 1999, 137 Wash. 2d 979)“…creates an avenue for modifying spousal maintenance awards, RCW 26.09.170(1), Homer has not petitioned for modifi…”
- In Re the Marriage of Gimlett (Washington Supreme Court 1981, 95 Wash. 2d 699)“…sed the trial court, holding that "emancipation" as used in RCW 26.09.170 was not intended to be equated with "ce…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Washington Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) Laws: How It Works (2026)
§ 26.09.175Modification of order of child support.In force
(1) A proceeding for the modification of an order of child support shall commence with the filing of a petition and worksheets. The petition shall be in the form prescribed by the administrator for the courts. There shall be a fee of twenty dollars for the filing of a petition for modification of dissolution. (2)(a) The petitioner shall serve upon the other party the summons, a copy of the petition, and the worksheets in the form prescribed by the administrator for the courts. If the modification proceeding is the first action filed in this state, service shall be made by personal service. If the decree to be modified was entered in this state, service shall be by personal service or by any form of mail requiring a return receipt. Proof of service shall be filed with the court.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 35 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- In Re the Marriage of Blickenstaff & Blickenstaff (Court of Appeals of Washington 1993, 71 Wash. App. 489)“…er support obligations. The statute in effect at that time, RCW 26.09.175(1) (Laws of 1990,1st Ex. Sess., ch. 2,…”
- In re the Marriage of Morris (Court of Appeals of Washington 2013, 176 Wash. App. 893)“…ong with financial worksheets, and serving the other party. RCW 26.09.175(1), (2). Once the other party responds,…”
- In re the Marriage of Herridge (Court of Appeals of Washington 2012, 169 Wash. App. 290)“…operly heard on affidavits only, pursu *296 ant to [former] RCW 26.09.175(5) [(2002)] ,” 6 Accordingly, the cour…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 26.09.100Child support—Apportionment of expense—Periodic adjustments or modifications.In force
(1) In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, legal separation, declaration of invalidity, maintenance, or child support, after considering all relevant factors but without regard to misconduct, the court shall order either or both parents owing a duty of support to any child of the marriage or the domestic partnership dependent upon either or both spouses or domestic partners to pay an amount determined under chapter 26.19 RCW. (2) The court may require automatic periodic adjustments or modifications of child support. That portion of any decree that requires periodic adjustments or modifications of child support shall use the provisions in chapter 26.19 RCW as the basis for the adjustment or modification. Provisions in the decree for periodic adjustment or modification shall not conflict with RCW 26.09.170 except that the decree may require periodic adjustments or modifications of support more frequently than the time periods established pursuant to RCW 26.09.170.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 58 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Childers v. Childers (Washington Supreme Court 1978, 89 Wash. 2d 592)“…t for dependent children to whom a duty of support is owed. RCW 26.09.100 provides in part: [T]he court ma…”
- In Re the Marriage of Gimlett (Washington Supreme Court 1981, 95 Wash. 2d 699)“…mm'n, 85 Wn.2d 176, 179 , 532 P.2d 614 (1975). RCW 26.09.100 states in pertinent part: [T]he…”
- Harmon v. Department of Social & Health Services (Washington Supreme Court 1998, 134 Wash. 2d 523)“…based on a consideration of “all relevant factors.” Former RCW 26.09.100. RCW 74.20A.055 also was enacted in 1…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 26.18.050Failure to comply with support or maintenance order—Contempt action—Order to show cause—Bench warrant—Continuing jurisdiction.In force
(1) If an obligor fails to comply with a support or maintenance order, a petition or motion may be filed without notice under RCW 26.18.040 to initiate a contempt action as provided in chapter 7.21 RCW. If the court finds there is reasonable cause to believe the obligor has failed to comply with a support or maintenance order, the court may issue an order to show cause requiring the obligor to appear at a certain time and place for a hearing, at which time the obligor may appear to show cause why the relief requested should not be granted. A copy of the petition or motion shall be served on the obligor along with the order to show cause. (2) Service of the order to show cause shall be by personal service, or in the manner provided in the civil rules of superior court or applicable statute. (3) If the order to show cause served upon the obligor included a warning that an arrest warrant could be issued for failure to appear, the court may issue a bench warrant for the arrest of the obligor if the obligor fails to appear on the return date provided in the order.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 35 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Bloomer (Court of Appeals of Washington 1999, 94 Wash. App. 246)“…52 support order. He received the proper notice required by RCW 26.18.050. 2 . Mr. Bloomer also claims the nu…”
- State Ex Rel. Shafer v. Bloomer (Court of Appeals of Washington 1999, 973 P.2d 1062)“…ld support order. He received the proper notice required by RCW 26.18.050. [2] Mr. Bloomer also claims the num…”
- State ex rel. Daly v. Snyder (Court of Appeals of Washington 2003, 117 Wash. App. 602)“…icates that it does not apply to contempt proceedings under RCW 26.18.050. Snyder argues that the statute canno…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 26.20.035Family nonsupport—Penalty—Exception.In force
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, any person who is able to provide support, or has the ability to earn the means to provide support, and who: (a) Willfully omits to provide necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical attendance to a child dependent upon him or her; or (b) Willfully omits to provide necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical attendance to his or her spouse or his or her domestic partner, is guilty of the crime of family nonsupport. (2) A parent of a newborn who transfers the newborn to a qualified person at an appropriate location pursuant to RCW 13.34.360 is not subject to criminal liability under this section. (3) The crime of family nonsupport is a gross misdemeanor under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 5 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2001
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Morgan (Court of Appeals of Washington 1997, 86 Wash. App. 74)“…onsupport is a gross misdemeanor under chapter 9A.20 ROW. RCW 26.20.035 (emphasis added). The violation of this…”
- State v. Howe (Washington Supreme Court 2001, 116 Wash. 2d 466)“…e a statutory duty to provide for their dependent children. RCW 26.20.035(1)(a), (b) provides: (1) Any per…”
- State v. Crist (Court of Appeals of Washington 1996, 80 Wash. App. 511)“…erts that pursuant to the parental duty of care codified as RCW 26.20.035(l)(a) and (b), he cannot be excluded fr…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 26.23.060Income withholding order—Answer—Processing fee.In force
(1) The division of child support may issue an income withholding order: (a) As authorized by a support order that contains a notice clearly stating that child support may be collected by withholding from earnings, wages, or benefits without further notice to the obligated parent; or (b) After service of a notice containing an income-withholding provision under this chapter or chapter 74.20A RCW. (2) The division of child support shall serve an income withholding order upon a responsible parent's employer or upon the employment security department for the state in possession of or owing any benefits from the unemployment compensation fund to the responsible parent pursuant to Title 50 RCW or from the paid family and medical leave program under Title 50A RCW: (a) In the manner prescribed for the service of a summons in a civil action; (b) By certified mail, return receipt requested; (c) By electronic means if there is an agreement between the secretary and the person, firm, corporation, association, political subdivision, department of the state, or agency, subdivision, or instrumentality of the United States to accept service by electronic means; or (d) By regular mail to a…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2022
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Dshs V. Albert Whitney Coburn (Court of Appeals of Washington 2022)“…s statutory authority to garnish Mr. Coburn’s income under RCW 26.23.060 regardless of whether he is in arrears”…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 26.19.090Standards for postsecondary educational support awards.In force
(1) The child support schedule shall be advisory and not mandatory for postsecondary educational support. (2) When considering whether to order support for postsecondary educational expenses, the court shall determine whether the child is in fact dependent and is relying upon the parents for the reasonable necessities of life. The court shall exercise its discretion when determining whether and for how long to award postsecondary educational support based upon consideration of factors that include but are not limited to the following: Age of the child; the child's needs; the expectations of the parties for their children when the parents were together; the child's prospects, desires, aptitudes, abilities or disabilities; the nature of the postsecondary education sought; and the parents' level of education, standard of living, and current and future resources. Also to be considered are the amount and type of support that the child would have been afforded if the parents had stayed together.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 51 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- In re the Marriage of Schneider (Washington Supreme Court 2011, 173 Wash. 2d 353)“…r limit of postsecondary educational support in Washington. RCW 26.19.090(5). Again, the original Nebraska child…”
- In re the Marriage of Morris (Court of Appeals of Washington 2013, 176 Wash. App. 893)“…onsidering a request for postsecondary educational support, RCW 26.19.090(2) directs the superior court to determ…”
- In Re the Marriage of Shellenberger (Court of Appeals of Washington 1995, 80 Wash. App. 71)“…formances to the time of trial. The trial court’s order and RCW 26.19.090 merely suspend the obligation during pe…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Explore the law
This article also draws on these acts and chapters (opening at their first section): Revised Code of Washington § 26.19.001 (Legislative intent and finding.) · Revised Code of Washington § 26.18.010 (Legislative findings.)
Related law for further reading — not part of this article’s citations.
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Sources and References
- RCW Chapter 26.19 - Child Support Schedule(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.19.020 - Child Support Economic Table(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.19.075 - Standards for Deviation from Child Support Schedule(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.19.065 - Standards for Lower and Upper Limits on Child Support(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.19.080 - Allocation of Child Support Between Parents(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.19.090 - Standards for Postsecondary Educational Support(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW Chapter 26.26A - Uniform Parentage Act(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.09.170 - Termination of Child Support(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.09.175 - Modification of Order of Child Support(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.09.100 - Child Support: Apportionment of Expense; Periodic Adjustments or Modifications(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.18.050 - Contempt Action for Failure to Pay Support(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.20.035 - Criminal Non-Support(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.23.060 - Income Withholding for Child Support(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- Engrossed House Bill 1014 - Child Support Schedule Updates (2025)(app.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
- RCW Chapter 26.19 - Child Support Schedule(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 74.20A.059 - Periodic Adjustments(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- WAC 388-14A-3901 - DCS Review of Support Orders(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 26.26A.115 - Presumption of Parentage(app.leg.wa.gov)
- RCW 74.20A.059 - Modification of Administrative Orders Establishing Child Support(app.leg.wa.gov)