Child support in Washington ranges from a minimum of $50 per child per month to amounts determined by the Economic Table under RCW 26.19.020, which now covers combined monthly net incomes from $2,200 to $50,000 as of January 1, 2026. Washington uses the Income Shares Model, estimating what both parents would spend on children if the household remained intact, then dividing that obligation proportionally based on each parent's net income. For a family with combined monthly net income of $5,000 and one child, the basic support obligation is approximately $1,057, with each parent responsible for their percentage share of that amount.
Key Facts: Washington Child Support 2026
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Calculation Model | Income Shares Model under RCW 26.19 |
| Economic Table Range | Combined monthly net income $2,200 to $50,000 |
| Minimum Support | $50 per child per month |
| Maximum Support Cap | 45% of obligated parent's net income |
| Self-Support Reserve | 180% of federal poverty level ($2,019/month for 2026) |
| Filing Fee for Divorce | $314-$364 depending on county |
| Waiting Period | 90 days mandatory |
| Residency Requirement | Domicile in Washington (no minimum duration) |
| Modification Threshold | 25% change or $50/month difference |
How Washington Calculates Child Support Using the Income Shares Model
Washington determines how much is child support by using the Income Shares Model established in RCW 26.19.011, which bases support obligations on what parents would have spent on their children in an intact household. The calculation involves five specific steps: determining each parent's gross monthly income, subtracting mandatory deductions to arrive at net income, combining both parents' net incomes, looking up the basic support obligation on the Economic Table based on combined income and number of children, and dividing that obligation proportionally between parents based on their share of combined income.
Gross income includes wages, salaries, commissions, self-employment earnings, Social Security benefits, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, pension income, interest and dividends, spousal maintenance received, and rental income. Under RCW 26.19.071, permitted deductions include federal and state income taxes, FICA withholding, mandatory pension contributions, union dues, court-ordered maintenance paid to other households, up to $5,000 in voluntary retirement contributions, Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave premiums, and WA Cares Fund premiums.
For example, if Parent A has monthly net income of $4,000 and Parent B has monthly net income of $6,000, their combined monthly net income equals $10,000. Parent A earns 40% of the combined income while Parent B earns 60%. Looking at the Economic Table for one child at $10,000 combined income, the basic support obligation is approximately $1,789. If Parent B is the non-custodial parent paying support, Parent B owes 60% of $1,789, which equals approximately $1,073 per month before any adjustments for health insurance, childcare, or residential time credits.
Washington Child Support Economic Table: 2026 Sample Amounts
The Economic Table under RCW 26.19.020 underwent the most significant overhaul in decades through Engrossed House Bill 1014, effective January 1, 2026. The table expansion from a $12,000 maximum to $50,000 maximum combined monthly net income now provides presumptive support amounts for higher-earning families that previously required judicial discretion. For combined incomes between $2,200 and $12,000, support amounts remain unchanged from the prior table, but families earning above $12,000 combined now have standardized calculations based on updated economic formulas rather than historical spending studies.
| Combined Monthly Net Income | One Child | Two Children | Three Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,200 | $477 | $367 per child | $307 per child |
| $3,000 | $649 | $500 per child | $418 per child |
| $5,000 | $1,057 | $814 per child | $681 per child |
| $7,500 | $1,416 | $1,091 per child | $912 per child |
| $10,000 | $1,789 | $1,378 per child | $1,152 per child |
| $12,000 | $1,943 | $1,497 per child | $1,251 per child |
| $20,000 | $2,588 | $1,993 per child | $1,666 per child |
| $35,000 | $3,558 | $2,740 per child | $2,291 per child |
| $50,000 | $4,251 | $3,274 per child | $2,737 per child |
These figures represent the total basic support obligation from the Economic Table. The non-custodial parent pays their proportionate share based on their percentage of combined income. Additional adjustments apply for health insurance premiums covering the children, work-related childcare expenses, and extended residential time with the non-custodial parent exceeding 90 overnights annually.
Low-Income Protections and the Self-Support Reserve
Washington child support guidelines protect low-income obligated parents through the self-support reserve provision in RCW 26.19.065, ensuring paying parents retain enough income to meet basic needs. As of January 2026, the self-support reserve increased from 125% to 180% of the federal poverty level for a one-person household, meaning a paying parent must retain approximately $2,019 per month after paying child support before the full support obligation applies. This change represents an increase of approximately $500 per month compared to the previous threshold.
When combined monthly net income falls below $2,200, the standard Economic Table does not apply. Instead, the court determines support based on the resources and living expenses of each household, with a minimum obligation of $50 per child per month unless RCW 26.19.065(2) permits a lower amount. For families where the obligated parent earns between 100% and 180% of the federal poverty level (approximately $1,255 to $2,019 monthly for a single person in 2026), the court applies a sliding scale that gradually increases the support obligation as income rises.
The 45% net income cap under RCW 26.19.065(1) prevents child support from exceeding 45% of the obligated parent's net income regardless of the Economic Table amount. If the Economic Table indicates a support amount that would exceed this threshold, the court reduces the order to 45% of net income.
Adjustments and Deviations from Standard Child Support
Washington courts may deviate from the standard child support calculation under RCW 26.19.075 when specific circumstances justify a different amount. The most common deviation involves residential credit for extended parenting time, where the non-custodial parent has the children more than 90 overnights per year. Under the residential schedule adjustment, support decreases as parenting time increases beyond this threshold because the non-custodial parent incurs direct childcare expenses during their parenting time.
Other permissible deviations include income from overtime or second jobs that is not expected to continue, extraordinary income of a child from employment or other sources, tax planning considerations that would benefit the children, special needs of children requiring additional expenses, debt incurred for family purposes during the marriage, extraordinary income not reflected in the Economic Table (for combined incomes exceeding $50,000), and split custody arrangements where each parent has primary custody of at least one child.
When deviating from the standard calculation, the court must enter written findings of fact supporting the deviation and state the presumptive amount under the standard calculation for comparison. The deviation may increase or decrease the support amount, and either parent may request a deviation by providing evidence of the circumstances justifying adjustment.
Healthcare, Childcare, and Additional Expenses
Beyond the basic support obligation from the Economic Table, Washington child support orders typically include provisions for health insurance premiums, uninsured medical expenses, and work-related childcare costs. Under RCW 26.19.080, these expenses are added to the basic support obligation and divided between parents in proportion to their respective incomes. For example, if monthly health insurance premiums for the children total $300 and one parent earns 60% of combined income, that parent pays $180 of the premium cost.
Uninsured medical expenses, including deductibles, copayments, orthodontia, mental health treatment, and prescription costs not covered by insurance, are typically split proportionally between parents as incurred. Some orders specify a dollar threshold below which the custodial parent covers expenses without reimbursement, often $250 to $500 annually, to avoid administrative burden for small claims.
Work-related childcare necessary for either parent to maintain employment or pursue education is added to the basic support obligation and divided proportionally. The court credits childcare costs net of any federal or state childcare tax credits the custodial parent receives. Childcare expenses typically phase out as children reach an age where they no longer require supervision during work hours, usually around age 12 to 14 depending on the children's maturity and circumstances.
Modifying Child Support Orders in Washington
Washington permits child support modification under RCW 26.09.170 when circumstances change substantially enough to warrant adjustment. The threshold for substantial change requires a difference of at least 25% or $50 per month, whichever is greater, between the current order and what the support amount would be under current circumstances. Either parent may petition for modification by filing a motion in the court that issued the original order, demonstrating the substantial change through current financial documentation.
After 24 months from entry of the original order or last modification, either parent may request adjustment without proving substantial changed circumstances based solely on changes in income or updates to the Economic Table under RCW 26.19. This provision allows parents to request recalculation when the 2026 law changes significantly affect their support amount, as households with combined income exceeding $12,000 may see meaningful changes under the expanded Economic Table.
Voluntary unemployment or underemployment by the paying parent does not constitute substantial changed circumstances under RCW 26.09.170. Courts may impute income to voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parents based on their earning capacity, work history, education, and available job opportunities in their geographic area. Modifications apply prospectively from the filing date of the motion, not retroactively, meaning arrears accrued before filing cannot be reduced even if circumstances changed earlier.
Child Support Enforcement Through the Division of Child Support
The Washington State Division of Child Support (DCS) within the Department of Social and Health Services administers child support establishment, collection, and enforcement services. DCS provides automatic wage withholding through income withholding orders served on employers under RCW 26.18.070, enabling direct deduction from paychecks without requiring separate court action. Washington law permits garnishment of up to 50% of disposable income (55% if payments are more than 12 weeks past due) if the obligated parent supports no other spouse or dependent child, or up to 60% (65% if past due) if other dependents exist.
Enforcement tools available through DCS include wage garnishment and income withholding, interception of federal and state tax refunds, bank account seizure and levy, liens on real property, vehicles, and other assets, suspension of driver's licenses and professional licenses, passport denial for arrears exceeding $2,500, credit bureau reporting affecting credit scores, and contempt of court proceedings with potential jail time.
Unpaid child support accrues interest at 12% annually under Washington law, significantly higher than most consumer debt rates. The collection period extends up to 30 years after the youngest child ages out of the order, giving recipients decades to pursue unpaid support. As of September 2025, DCS began withholding child support from Paid Family Medical Leave benefits, expanding enforcement to cover this income source. Parents can contact DCS at 800-442-KIDS (5437) to access case information and enforcement services.
When Child Support Ends in Washington
Washington child support obligations terminate automatically when the child reaches age 18, or age 19 if the child is still enrolled in high school and expected to graduate before turning 19. Under RCW 26.09.170, parents may petition to extend support through age 23 for children enrolled full-time in postsecondary education, though this extension requires agreement between parents or a court order based on the child's educational needs and both parents' financial circumstances.
Support also ends upon the child's marriage, emancipation, death, or entry into military service. If multiple children are covered by one support order, the order does not automatically terminate when the oldest child ages out; instead, the parent must petition for modification to recalculate support for the remaining children using current income figures and the Economic Table for the reduced number of children.
Arrears accrued before termination remain collectible even after current support obligations end. Interest continues to accrue on unpaid arrears at 12% annually until paid in full. Neither the death of the custodial parent nor the death of the obligated parent automatically extinguishes arrears, which may become claims against the deceased parent's estate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Child Support
How much is child support in Washington for one child?
Child support for one child in Washington depends on both parents' combined monthly net income under RCW 26.19.020. At $5,000 combined monthly net income, the basic support obligation is approximately $1,057, with each parent responsible for their proportionate share. At $10,000 combined monthly net income, the basic obligation rises to approximately $1,789. The non-custodial parent pays their percentage share based on their proportion of combined income.
What is the minimum child support payment in Washington?
The minimum child support payment in Washington is $50 per child per month under RCW 26.19.065. This minimum applies when combined monthly net income falls below $2,200 or when applying the full Economic Table amount would push the paying parent below the self-support reserve of 180% of the federal poverty level (approximately $2,019 per month in 2026).
Can child support be higher than the Economic Table amount?
Yes, when combined monthly net income exceeds $50,000, courts may order child support above the Economic Table maximum upon written findings of fact under RCW 26.19.020. Additionally, health insurance premiums, uninsured medical expenses, and work-related childcare costs are added to the basic support obligation, increasing total support beyond the table amount.
How do I calculate my child support obligation in Washington?
To calculate child support, use the Washington State Support Schedule Calculator at fortress.wa.gov/dshs/dcs/SSGen/Home. Input both parents' gross monthly incomes, subtract permitted deductions under RCW 26.19.071, combine the net incomes, find the basic support obligation on the Economic Table, and multiply by your percentage share of combined income.
Can I modify child support if I lose my job?
Yes, job loss constitutes a substantial change of circumstances permitting modification under RCW 26.09.170 if the resulting recalculation differs by at least 25% or $50 per month from the current order. However, voluntary unemployment or quitting without good cause is not grounds for modification, and courts may impute income based on earning capacity.
What happens if my ex doesn't pay child support?
The Division of Child Support (DCS) can enforce unpaid child support through wage garnishment, tax refund interception, bank account levy, property liens, license suspension, and contempt proceedings under RCW 26.18. Unpaid support accrues 12% annual interest and remains collectible for up to 30 years. Contact DCS at 800-442-KIDS.
Does parenting time affect child support in Washington?
Yes, when the non-custodial parent has the children more than 90 overnights annually, courts may apply a residential credit reducing child support under RCW 26.19.075. The adjustment recognizes that the non-custodial parent incurs direct childcare expenses during their parenting time. Equal (50/50) parenting time may significantly reduce or eliminate the support obligation depending on income disparity.
What changed in Washington child support law for 2026?
Effective January 1, 2026, House Bill 1014 expanded the Economic Table from a $12,000 to $50,000 combined monthly net income cap, increased the self-support reserve from 125% to 180% of the federal poverty level, raised the minimum combined income threshold from $1,000 to $2,200, and permitted deductions for PFML and WA Cares premiums under RCW 26.19.
How long does child support last in Washington?
Child support continues until the child turns 18, or 19 if still enrolled in high school under RCW 26.09.170. Parents may petition to extend support through age 23 for children enrolled full-time in postsecondary education. Support also terminates upon the child's marriage, emancipation, death, or military enlistment.
Can child support be waived in Washington?
Parents cannot completely waive child support because the right belongs to the child, not the parents, under Washington law. However, courts may order the minimum $50 per child per month when circumstances warrant. Any agreement reducing support below the guideline amount requires court approval with written findings that the deviation serves the child's best interests under RCW 26.19.075.
Filing for Child Support: Next Steps
To establish or modify child support in Washington, either parent may file a petition in Superior Court in the county where the children reside or where the other parent lives. The divorce filing fee ranges from $314 to $364 depending on the county as of May 2026. Verify current fees with your local Superior Court clerk before filing. Washington has no minimum residency duration requirement, but at least one spouse must be domiciled in the state under RCW 26.09.030. The mandatory 90-day waiting period begins from the filing date and service of the petition, during which the court cannot finalize divorce or support orders.
For assistance with child support establishment, modification, or enforcement without an attorney, the Division of Child Support provides services regardless of income. Contact DCS at 800-442-KIDS or visit dshs.wa.gov/esa/division-child-support. For complex cases involving high incomes, business ownership, or contested custody, consulting a Washington family law attorney ensures accurate calculation and protection of your interests.