Determination of Support and Enforcement
Family Law Form
Washington State follows a schedule for child support, determined at the time that child custody is awarded. The incomes of both parents are indexed to the state's Child Support Worksheet. In a nutshell, the monthly support a person pays or receives depends on combined net income and the number of children involved.
When the party's combined monthly income exceeds $7,000, child support is capped unless the receiving party can demonstrate a need for a higher amount. For most families, the child support amount is strictly based on a percentage of the paying party's net income in proportion to the total available net income and number of children. However, variations can exist for special circumstances, such as health insurance, day care expenses, and special medical or educational needs of the child.
The Role of an Attorney in Child Support
- Support Enforcement — If the other party is not making court-ordered support payments, the State of Washington provides remedies to recover past due support (such as wage garnishment) and penalties for the non-paying parent (including jail). The Department of Human Services can bring an action to compel support, and you may not need a lawyer.
- Income Reporting — To determine the correct amount of support, the state must have accurate information about each party's income. If the paying party is self-employed and not reporting all income, or if you suspect that parent is otherwise shielding income to hold down their support obligations, I can subpoena bank records and other documents to prove true income and seek an upward adjustment of child support.
- Modification — Either party can petition for child support modifications if financial circumstances have substantially changed, such as the recipient-party's remarriage or the paying party's rise in salary. Legal representation at the contested hearing is important.
If you need help with your child support payment arrangement, contact Engel Law Group at 206.625.9800.
