How much child support will I receive or have to pay?

Both parents have a duty to support their children. Child support is determined by statute and based on the Washington Child Support Table which takes into consideration both parents income consideration your income and the number of children.

The law includes almost any income from any source to arrive at gross income and then provides for deductions in arriving at net income for purposes of child support calculations. Deductions include federal income taxes, normal business expenses, mandatory pension plan payments or voluntary retirement payments of no more than $2,000/year, mandatory union or professional dues and spousal maintenance.

Once child support is initially set, the judge can "deviate" from that amount based on a number of specifically identified factors that are set forth in the law

Child support payments are usually required until a child is 18 years old, or graduates from high school, whichever occurs last, although circumstances may affect the duration of the support obligation. For example, if a child under the age of 18 gets married or otherwise becomes emancipated or self-supporting, the court may terminate the parental obligation for the support.

Post-secondary support for college educational expenses may also be required for a dependent child, or for a child with special needs.

Child support is subject to periodic adjustment to meet changes in the needs of the children, as well as changes in each parent's ability to pay. It may also be modified if a party can demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances not contemplated at the time of the original agreement.