How Child Support is Calculated in Washington State
Child support is paid by the non-primary parent to the primary parent to help cover the child’s expenses. A primary parent is the one who lives with the child more than 50% of the time and is often referred to as the custodial parent. Understanding how child support is calculated in Washington State is essential for both parents, as it directly impacts financial responsibilities following a separation or divorce.
There are Two Types of Child Support
There are two different kinds of child support, and each is calculated differently:
- Basic child support obligation – A fixed monthly payment based on the Washington State Economic Table. It covers the child’s basic needs such as food, shelter, and utilities. This is the standard child support amount most people think of.
- Other child support expenses – These include things like uninsured health care costs and day care, which are legally required under
RCW 26.19.080. Other costs, such as extracurriculars and private school, are optional and depend on the parents’ ability to pay.
How Is Basic Child Support Calculated?
Under the Washington State Child Support Schedule, the standard child support obligation is based on:
- The combined net incomes of both parents
- The number and age(s) of the children
The total amount needed to support the child(ren) is pulled from the Economic Table. The non-primary parent’s share is then calculated by applying their percentage of the combined income to that total.
Example:
- Dad and Mom each earn $5,000 per month in net income. Combined, they earn $10,000.
- If they have two children (ages 9 and 14), the Economic Table gives a support amount of $1,021 and $1,262, respectively.
- The non-primary parent earns 50% of the combined income, so their total payment is:
$1,021 × 0.5 + $1,262 × 0.5 = $1,141.50.
How Are Other Child Support Payments Calculated?
Other child-related expenses (uninsured medical, daycare, extracurriculars) are split according to each parent’s percentage of total income. For example, if both earn equally, each pays 50%. These expenses are shared regardless of who is the custodial parent.
Deviations – Exceptions That May Reduce Child Support
The law allows deviations from the standard child support obligation in certain situations, per RCW 26.19.075:
- Significant Residential Time – Significant residential time may qualify a parent for a reduced child support obligation. However, this does not apply if the child is receiving public assistance or if the reduction would leave the receiving household without sufficient resources to meet the child’s basic needs. Contrary to common belief, even a 50/50 residential schedule does not automatically result in a reduction.
- Nonrecurring Income – Bonuses, commissions, or overtime may be averaged over prior years to avoid distorting monthly support.
- Children from Other Relationships – A parent supporting children from a different relationship may get a reduction, though all income and household finances (including those of a new spouse or partner) are considered.
At Weintraub Law Office, we have extensive experience in Washington child support law and a strong track record in support-related litigation. Founding attorney Boaz Weintraub is co-author of the 2022 Washington State Family Law Deskbook chapter on child support. Please Contact us for help on your child support case.