(206) 624-9605 - Seattle
(425) 455-4646 - Bellevue
(253) 852-8989 - South King County

Seattle Child Support Attorney

Divorce Attorney Laura M. Groves

Effective and results oriented Seattle family law and child support legal representation.

Serving all of King County.

Experienced.  Aggressive.  Affordable.

Child Support in Washington State

Determining Child Support

Under Washington State Law both parents are required to provide for their children financially.

Determining Income

Determining child support can be difficult and confusing and the state laws of Washington don’t always help in determining what child support amount is appropriate. Traditionally child support is based on the combined income of both parents. But what happens when a parent is not working or is under-employed? The answer to that can be complex and the attorneys at our office can help with those answers.

When a parent is unemployed or under-employed their income may be imputed but the court per Washington State Law. The key is to provide the Court with as much of the information regarding each party’s income as you can so that a Child Support amount can be set fairly and will adequately meet the needs of your children.

When there is actual income all sources of that income is required to be disclosed and presented to the Court. Worksheets are prepared and filed with the court, along with actual verification of all income. Income of a present spouse may be considered by the court, but is excluded in from the actual calculations of Child Support. Basic Child Support is then determined based on the parents combined incomes and the number of children for which support is to be set.

The Court may decide to deviate from the basic Child Support amount in extenuating circumstances such as income from other adults in a parent’s household, nonrecurring income, debt and high expenses not voluntarily incurred, residential schedule or children from other relationships. There are a number of reasons the Child Support amount can deviate which our attorneys can discuss with you. 

(206) 624-9605 - Seattle
(425) 455-4646 - Bellevue
(253) 852-8989 - South King County

Child Support during a pending case

The court can provide Children with Child Support during a pending case, whether it be divorce or a case determining paternity. A Motion for Temporary Orders can be filed to provide the Court with the information needed to set up a Temporary Child Support Order. This Order is good until a new or final Order is entered in a case.

Child Support after graduation

A parent may petition the court for Child Support for a child that is still dependent upon them who is attending college. There are several factors that help the Court determine if Post-Secondary Support is appropriate. Some of those factors include the parents ability to pay that support as well as the child’s ability to be successful in school. It is important to talk to an attorney regarding the necessity of post-secondary support prior to the end of the current order as the receiving parent must ask for this support before the termination of the current Child Support Order.

Child Support Adjustment and Modification

Child Support is subject to periodic adjustment and/or modification to meet the changing needs of the children and parents.

Agreed Child Support Orders

As with any area of a family law case Child Support Orders can be agreed upon by the Parties involved as long as Washington State Laws are followed in determining the transfer amount.