• David Starks
• Marc T. Christianson
• Jennifer J. Payseno
• Susan J. Shulenberger
• Justin Sedell
• Kim Schnuelle
• Lisa Dufour
• Sharon L. Friedrich
• Laura Carlsen
• Elizabeth Bianchi
• Jessica T. Moore
• Annelisa Smith
• Jamie Walker
• Christina Smith
• Lindsay Noel
• Krista Stipe
• Lindsay Camandona
• Rita Herrera Irvin
• Sands McKinley

Washington State Child Support

During a divorce or other family law action involving children, the court will determine which parent with whom the children shall primarily live and will order child support to be paid by the other parent. Under Washington State child support law, both parents are obligated to support their children financially, whether the children live with them or not. A child support order which orders the non-custodial parent to pay support to the custodial parent reflects the paying parent's portion of the total support. Since the custodial parent pays his or her children's support on a daily basis, there is no need to order that person to pay the other parent.

Even when one parent is determined to be the primary custodial parent and receives child support from the other parent, the visitation and parenting rights of the non-custodial parent remain intact under Washington State child support law. Except in cases of neglect or abuse, the non-custodial parent is entitled to substantial visitation under Washington State child support law. Knowing the rights of both the custodial and non-custodial parents in a family law dispute is one important role that a competent Washington State child support attorney can serve.

Besides basic necessities like food and shelter, which are covered under the child support transfer payment, other expenses like education and uninsured medical fees are some other major expenses that should be shared by the non-custodial parent. Under Washington State child support law, these expenses can be crafted into a final child support order. Your Washington State child support attorney can explain the process and can look out for your interests in negotiating the terms of your child support determination.

In the event that the parent ordered to pay child support does not pay that support, Washington State child support law provides various remedies. A non-paying parent's wages can be garnished, his tax refund can be withheld, or a lien can be placed on her property. Also, the Division of Child Support in Washington State provides collection services for parents who are due unpaid child support.

The Washington State child support system has also implemented a program to adjust any child support payments according to the parent's lifestyle. These adjustments are known as modifications. For instance, if the non-custodial parent receives a pay raise and is making more money than before, the custodial parent can ask the court to raise the current child support payments. Conversely, a non-custodial parent can also request for similar modifications to reduce child support payments. Child support orders can also be modified to account for the age of the child, educational or medical expenses incurred on behalf of the child, or a significant change in circumstances. Contact a competent Washington State child support lawyer at McKinley Irvin to get advice on your child support case.