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State Guide · Washington
Child Support in Washington: How It's Calculated, Modified & Enforced
A plain-English guide to Washington child support — the guideline model, how the number is computed, the modification and enforcement process, and where to find the official worksheet.
Direct answer
Combined MONTHLY NET income. Start with gross from all sources, then subtract federal and state income tax, FICA, mandatory union/professional dues, state industrial insurance premiums, and court-ordered spousal maintenance actually paid (RCW 26.19.071). Excluded: a new spouse\'s income, child support received for other children, TANF/food stamps, and SSI.
Washington uses the Income Shares model based on both parents' combined MONTHLY NET income, looked up on the Economic Table (RCW 26.19.020). A self-support reserve — 180% of the federal poverty level for one person, about $2,348/month in 2026 — caps the paying parent's obligation, and a $50-per-child monthly minimum applies. A residential credit applies when the noncustodial parent has 90+ overnights per year; the table is presumptive up to $50,000 combined monthly net income (raised from $12,000 by HB 1014, effective Jan. 1, 2026). Deviations require written findings.
Open the Washington child support calculator to see your own number under the current guideline: Washington calculator.
How a support order is established in Washington
Apply through the Division of Child Support (DCS) or file a petition in Superior Court.
DCS locates the other parent and establishes paternity if needed.
Complete the worksheets using the Washington State Child Support Schedule (RCW 26.19); use the official DCS calculator to estimate the obligation.
A support order is entered by the court (or an administrative order through DCS).
DCS collects and enforces payments; modify by filing a petition (RCW 26.09.170) showing a substantial change in circumstances, comparing the existing order to the recalculated guideline amount.
Worked examples
Illustrative example — net-income split with the 2026 table — Parents of two children. Combined monthly NET income = $10,000 (Parent A $6,000 net / 60%; Parent B $4,000 net / 40%). Using the 2026 Economic Table (RCW 26.19.020), the basic support obligation for $10,000 combined net and two children is $1,099 per child = $2,198 total. Split by income share: Parent A pays 60% = $1,319; Parent B (custodial) is assumed to spend 40% = $879 directly. Parent A pays $1,319/month plus their share of health-insurance and work-related child-care add-ons. Washington divides the schedule amount by net-income share; $10,000 sits within the presumptive table, whose cap was raised to $50,000 in 2026.
Illustrative example — self-support reserve floor — A low-income obligor whose calculated support would drop their net income below subsistence. The obligation cannot push the paying parent below the self-support reserve — 180% of the federal poverty level for one person (about $2,348/month in 2026). If the formula would go lower, the payment is reduced, subject to the $50-per-child monthly minimum. Washington protects the obligor\'s basic living costs while keeping a per-child floor.
Modifying or enforcing an order
Orders in Washington can be modified when there is a substantial change in income, custody, or circumstances. Use the modification eligibility check and the cross-state comparison tool to see how a move would change the outcome. Enforcement runs through the state agency and can include income withholding and contempt proceedings.
Official sources
Washington Child Support Schedule (Chapter 26.19 RCW) — https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.19
Washington State Child Support Schedule Calculator (DCS/DSHS) — https://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/dcs/SSGen/Home
Washington Division of Child Support (DCS) — https://www.childsupportonline.wa.gov/
What income is used for child support in Washington?
Combined MONTHLY NET income. Start with gross from all sources, then subtract federal and state income tax, FICA, mandatory union/professional dues, state industrial insurance premiums, and court-ordered spousal maintenance actually paid (RCW 26.19.071). Excluded: a new spouse\'s income, child support received for other children, TANF/food stamps, and SSI.
What is the self-support reserve and the minimum?
The paying parent\'s net income cannot fall below 180% of the federal poverty level for one person (about $2,348/month in 2026). A $50-per-child monthly minimum applies (RCW 26.19.065).
How did the 2026 law change the table?
HB 1014 (effective Jan. 1, 2026) raised the presumptive Economic Table cap from $12,000 to $50,000 combined monthly net income and raised the minimum-income threshold to $2,200; above $50,000 the court may order more with written findings.
Does parenting time change the amount?
Yes. A residential credit may apply when the noncustodial parent has 90 or more overnights per year (RCW 26.19.075); very even splits can significantly reduce or eliminate the transfer payment.
How do I get or change an order?
Apply through DCS or file in Superior Court; DCS locates the parent and establishes paternity if needed; use the official calculator; modify by petition showing a substantial change in circumstances.
Can child support be waived?
No. The child\'s right to support cannot be waived; any agreement below the guideline needs court approval with written findings that the deviation serves the child\'s best interests.
Washington child support calculator
Estimate for Washington
Washington uses the Income Shares model.
Enter the paying parent’s net (after-tax/deductions) monthly income.
Washington Child Support Worksheet — Planning Estimate
Generated September 22, 2026 · Model: Income Shares · Income basis: net · Statute: Rev. Code Wash. § 26.19.020
This is an informal planning estimate, not a court worksheet and not legal advice. Confirm the current guideline with the state child-support agency or a licensed family-law attorney.
Estimated monthly support$1,140.00per month
Official schedule: Washington State Child Support Schedule Economic Table, RCW 26.19.020 (certified 2026-07-15, eff 2026-01-01) (2026)
Annual estimate$13,680.00
Effective rate22.8%
MethodIncome Shares: combined income → official Washington schedule → split by income share (+ add-ons, parenting-time credit)
View calculation breakdown
Combined parental income
$9,000
Total basic obligation (schedule)
$2,052
Obligor income share
55.6%
Obligor basic obligation
$1,140
Estimated monthly support
$1,140
How the basic obligation splits between parents
56%
44%
Paying parent: $1,140 Other parent: $912
Each parent pays their proportional share of the combined basic obligation.
Estimated monthly support by number of children
At the incomes you entered, for 2 children.
This article is general education, not legal or tax advice. For your exact number, open your state calculator.
Not legal or financial advice. This estimate follows the state’s statutory guideline formula but cannot capture every factor a court considers (health insurance, childcare, prior orders, deviations, imputed income).
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