title: RCW 26.19.020

text:
ECONOMIC TABLE
MONTHLY BASIC SUPPORT OBLIGATION
PER CHILD
combined
monthly
net
income
one
child
family
two
children
family
For income less than $2,200 the obligation is based upon the resources and living expenses of each household. Minimum support may not be less than $50 per child per month except when allowed by RCW 26.19.065(2).
2200
477
367
2300
499
384
2400
521
400
2500
543
417
2600
565
433
2700
587
450
2800
609
467
2900
630
483
3000
652
500
3100
674
516
3200
696
533
3300
718
550
3400
740
566
3500
762
583
3600
784
599
3700
803
614
3800
816
624
3900
830
634
4000
843
643
4100
857
653
4200
867
660
4300
877
668
4400
887
675
4500
896
682
4600
906
689
4700
916
697
4800
927
705
4900
939
714
5000
951
723
5100
963
732
5200
975
741
5300
987
750
5400
999
759
5500
1011
768
5600
1023
777
5700
1030
782
5800
1036
786
5900
1042
791
6000
1048
795
6100
1054
800
6200
1061
804
6300
1067
809
6400
1073
813
6500
1081
819
6600
1096
830
6700
1111
842
6800
1126
853
6900
1141
864
7000
1156
875
7100
1170
886
7200
1185
898
7300
1200
909
7400
1212
918
7500
1222
925
7600
1231
932
7700
1241
939
7800
1251
946
7900
1261
953
8000
1270
960
8100
1280
968
8200
1290
975
8300
1299
981
8400
1308
987
8500
1316
994
8600
1325
1000
8700
1334
1007
8800
1343
1013
8900
1352
1019
9000
1361
1026
9100
1370
1032
9200
1379
1040
9300
1387
1047
9400
1396
1055
9500
1405
1062
9600
1414
1069
9700
1423
1077
9800
1432
1084
9900
1441
1092
10000
1451
1099
10100
1462
1107
10200
1473
1114
10300
1484
1122
10400
1495
1129
10500
1507
1136
10600
1518
1144
10700
1529
1151
10800
1539
1159
10900
1542
1161
11000
1545
1164
11100
1548
1166
11200
1551
1169
11300
1554
1172
11400
1556
1174
11500
1559
1177
11600
1562
1179
11700
1565
1182
11800
1568
1184
11900
1571
1187
12000
1573
1190
12100
1584
1199
12200
1594
1207
12300
1605
1216
12400
1616
1225
12500
1626
1233
12600
1637
1242
12700
1647
1251
12800
1657
1259
12900
1668
1268
13000
1678
1276
13100
1688
1285
13200
1699
1293
13300
1709
1302
13400
1719
1310
13500
1729
1319
13600
1739
1327
13700
1749
1335
13800
1759
1344
13900
1769
1352
14000
1779
1360
14100
1789
1369
14200
1799
1377
14300
1809
1385
14400
1818
1393
14500
1828
1402
14600
1838
1410
14700
1848
1418
14800
1857
1426
14900
1867
1434
15000
1876
1443
15100
1886
1451
15200
1895
1459
15300
1905
1467
15400
1914
1475
15500
1923
1483
15600
1933
1491
15700
1942
1499
15800
1951
1507
15900
1960
1515
16000
1969
1523
16100
1978
1531
16200
1987
1538
16300
1996
1546
16400
2005
1554
16500
2014
1562
16600
2023
1570
16700
2032
1578
16800
2041
1585
16900
2050
1593
17000
2058
1601
17100
2067
1609
17200
2076
1616
17300
2084
1624
17400
2093
1632
17500
2101
1639
17600
2110
1647
17700
2118
1654
17800
2127
1662
17900
2135
1669
18000
2143
1677
18100
2152
1685
18200
2160
1692
18300
2168
1699
18400
2176
1707
18500
2185
1714
18600
2193
1722
18700
2201
1729
18800
2209
1736
18900
2217
1744
19000
2225
1751
19100
2232
1758
19200
2240
1766
19300
2248
1773
19400
2256
1780
19500
2264
1788
19600
2271
1795
19700
2279
1802
19800
2287
1809
19900
2294
1816
20000
2302
1823
20100
2310
1830
20200
2318
1838
20300
2326
1845
20400
2334
1852
20500
2342
1859
20600
2350
1866
20700
2358
1873
20800
2366
1880
20900
2374
1887
21000
2382
1893
21100
2389
1900
21200
2396
1907
21300
2403
1914
21400
2410
1921
21500
2417
1928
21600
2424
1935
21700
2431
1941
21800
2438
1948
21900
2445
1955
22000
2452
1962
22100
2459
1968
22200
2466
1975
22300
2473
1982
22400
2480
1988
22500
2487
1995
22600
2494
2002
22700
2501
2008
22800
2508
2015
22900
2515
2021
23000
2522
2028
23100
2529
2034
23200
2536
2041
23300
2543
2047
23400
2550
2054
23500
2557
2060
23600
2564
2067
23700
2571
2073
23800
2578
2079
23900
2585
2086
24000
2592
2092
24100
2599
2098
24200
2606
2105
24300
2613
2111
24400
2620
2117
24500
2627
2123
24600
2634
2130
24700
2641
2136
24800
2648
2142
24900
2655
2148
25000
2662
2154
25100
2669
2160
25200
2676
2166
25300
2683
2172
25400
2690
2178
25500
2696
2184
25600
2702
2191
25700
2708
2196
25800
2714
2202
25900
2720
2208
26000
2726
2214
26100
2732
2220
26200
2738
2226
26300
2744
2232
26400
2750
2238
26500
2756
2244
26600
2762
2249
26700
2768
2255
26800
2774
2261
26900
2780
2267
27000
2786
2272
27100
2792
2278
27200
2798
2284
27300
2804
2290
27400
2810
2295
27500
2816
2301
27600
2822
2306
27700
2828
2312
27800
2834
2318
27900
2840
2323
28000
2846
2329
28100
2852
2334
28200
2858
2340
28300
2864
2345
28400
2870
2351
28500
2876
2356
28600
2882
2361
28700
2888
2367
28800
2894
2372
28900
2900
2378
29000
2906
2383
29100
2912
2388
29200
2918
2393
29300
2924
2399
29400
2930
2404
29500
2936
2409
29600
2942
2414
29700
2948
2420
29800
2954
2425
29900
2960
2430
30000
2966
2435
30100
2972
2440
30200
2978
2445
30300
2984
2450
30400
2990
2455
30500
2996
2460
30600
3002
2465
30700
3008
2470
30800
3014
2475
30900
3020
2480
31000
3026
2485
31100
3032
2490
31200
3038
2495
31300
3044
2500
31400
3050
2505
31500
3056
2509
31600
3062
2514
31700
3068
2519
31800
3074
2524
31900
3080
2529
32000
3086
2533
32100
3092
2538
32200
3098
2543
32300
3104
2547
32400
3110
2552
32500
3116
2557
32600
3122
2561
32700
3128
2566
32800
3134
2570
32900
3140
2575
33000
3146
2579
33100
3152
2584
33200
3158
2588
33300
3164
2593
33400
3170
2597
33500
3176
2602
33600
3182
2606
33700
3188
2611
33800
3194
2615
33900
3200
2619
34000
3206
2624
34100
3212
2628
34200
3218
2632
34300
3224
2637
34400
3230
2641
34500
3236
2645
34600
3242
2649
34700
3248
2653
34800
3253
2658
34900
3258
2662
35000
3263
2666
35100
3268
2670
35200
3273
2674
35300
3278
2678
35400
3283
2682
35500
3288
2686
35600
3293
2690
35700
3298
2694
35800
3303
2698
35900
3308
2702
36000
3313
2706
36100
3318
2710
36200
3323
2714
36300
3328
2718
36400
3333
2722
36500
3338
2725
36600
3343
2729
36700
3348
2733
36800
3353
2737
36900
3358
2740
37000
3363
2744
37100
3368
2748
37200
3373
2752
37300
3378
2755
37400
3383
2759
37500
3388
2762
37600
3393
2766
37700
3398
2770
37800
3403
2773
37900
3408
2777
38000
3413
2780
38100
3418
2784
38200
3423
2787
38300
3428
2791
38400
3433
2794
38500
3438
2798
38600
3443
2801
38700
3448
2804
38800
3453
2808
38900
3458
2811
39000
3463
2814
39100
3468
2818
39200
3473
2821
39300
3478
2824
39400
3483
2828
39500
3488
2831
39600
3493
2834
39700
3498
2837
39800
3503
2840
39900
3508
2844
40000
3513
2847
40100
3518
2850
40200
3523
2853
40300
3528
2856
40400
3533
2859
40500
3538
2862
40600
3543
2865
40700
3548
2868
40800
3553
2871
40900
3558
2874
41000
3563
2877
41100
3568
2880
41200
3573
2883
41300
3578
2885
41400
3583
2888
41500
3588
2891
41600
3593
2894
41700
3598
2897
41800
3603
2900
41900
3607
2902
42000
3611
2905
42100
3615
2908
42200
3619
2910
42300
3623
2913
42400
3627
2916
42500
3631
2918
42600
3635
2921
42700
3639
2924
42800
3643
2926
42900
3647
2929
43000
3651
2931
43100
3655
2934
43200
3659
2936
43300
3663
2939
43400
3667
2941
43500
3671
2943
43600
3675
2946
43700
3679
2948
43800
3683
2951
43900
3687
2953
44000
3691
2955
44100
3695
2958
44200
3699
2960
44300
3703
2962
44400
3707
2964
44500
3711
2967
44600
3715
2969
44700
3719
2971
44800
3723
2973
44900
3727
2975
45000
3731
2977
45100
3735
2980
45200
3739
2982
45300
3743
2984
45400
3747
2986
45500
3751
2988
45600
3755
2990
45700
3759
2992
45800
3763
2994
45900
3767
2996
46000
3771
2998
46100
3775
3000
46200
3779
3001
46300
3783
3003
46400
3787
3005
46500
3791
3007
46600
3795
3009
46700
3799
3011
46800
3803
3012
46900
3807
3014
47000
3811
3016
47100
3815
3018
47200
3819
3019
47300
3823
3021
47400
3827
3023
47500
3831
3024
47600
3835
3026
47700
3839
3027
47800
3843
3029
47900
3847
3030
48000
3851
3032
48100
3855
3034
48200
3859
3035
48300
3863
3036
48400
3867
3038
48500
3871
3039
48600
3874
3041
48700
3877
3042
48800
3880
3043
48900
3883
3045
49000
3886
3046
49100
3889
3047
49200
3892
3049
49300
3895
3050
49400
3898
3051
49500
3901
3052
49600
3904
3054
49700
3907
3055
49800
3910
3056
49900
3913
3057
50000
3916
3058
combined
monthly
net
income
three
children
family
four
children
family
five
children
family
For income less than $2,200 the obligation is based upon the resources and living expenses of each household. Minimum support may not be less than $50 per child per month except when allowed by RCW 26.19.065(2).
2200
298
250
220
2300
311
261
230
2400
325
272
239
2500
338
283
249
2600
351
294
259
2700
365
305
269
2800
378
317
279
2900
391
328
288
3000
405
339
298
3100
418
350
308
3200
431
361
318
3300
444
372
328
3400
458
384
337
3500
471
395
347
3600
484
406
357
3700
496
416
366
3800
503
422
371
3900
511
428
377
4000
518
434
382
4100
526
440
388
4200
531
445
392
4300
537
450
396
4400
543
455
400
4500
548
459
404
4600
554
464
408
4700
559
469
412
4800
566
474
417
4900
573
480
422
5000
580
486
428
5100
587
492
433
5200
594
498
438
5300
602
504
443
5400
609
510
449
5500
616
516
454
5600
623
522
459
5700
627
525
462
5800
630
528
465
5900
634
531
467
6000
637
534
470
6100
641
537
472
6200
644
540
475
6300
648
543
477
6400
651
545
480
6500
656
549
483
6600
665
557
490
6700
674
564
497
6800
683
572
503
6900
692
579
510
7000
701
587
516
7100
710
594
523
7200
719
602
530
7300
727
609
536
7400
734
615
541
7500
740
620
545
7600
745
624
549
7700
751
629
554
7800
756
634
558
7900
762
638
562
8000
767
643
566
8100
773
647
570
8200
778
652
574
8300
783
656
577
8400
788
660
581
8500
793
664
584
8600
797
668
588
8700
802
672
591
8800
807
676
595
8900
812
680
599
9000
817
684
602
9100
822
689
606
9200
828
694
611
9300
835
699
616
9400
841
705
620
9500
848
710
625
9600
854
716
630
9700
861
721
635
9800
867
727
639
9900
874
732
644
10000
879
737
648
10100
885
741
652
10200
890
745
656
10300
895
750
660
10400
900
754
664
10500
906
759
668
10600
911
763
672
10700
916
767
675
10800
921
772
679
10900
924
774
681
11000
926
776
683
11100
928
778
684
11200
931
780
686
11300
933
782
688
11400
936
784
690
11500
938
786
692
11600
940
788
693
11700
943
790
695
11800
945
792
697
11900
948
794
699
12000
950
796
700
12100
957
802
705
12200
964
808
711
12300
971
814
716
12400
978
820
721
12500
985
826
727
12600
992
832
732
12700
999
838
737
12800
1007
844
743
12900
1014
850
748
13000
1021
856
753
13100
1027
862
758
13200
1034
868
764
13300
1041
874
769
13400
1048
879
774
13500
1055
885
779
13600
1062
891
785
13700
1069
897
790
13800
1076
903
795
13900
1083
909
800
14000
1090
915
805
14100
1097
920
811
14200
1103
926
816
14300
1110
932
821
14400
1117
938
826
14500
1124
944
831
14600
1131
949
836
14700
1137
955
842
14800
1144
961
847
14900
1151
967
852
15000
1158
973
857
15100
1164
978
862
15200
1171
984
867
15300
1178
990
872
15400
1184
995
877
15500
1191
1001
882
15600
1198
1007
888
15700
1204
1012
893
15800
1211
1018
898
15900
1217
1024
903
16000
1224
1029
908
16100
1231
1035
913
16200
1237
1041
918
16300
1244
1046
923
16400
1250
1052
928
16500
1257
1057
933
16600
1263
1063
938
16700
1270
1069
943
16800
1276
1074
948
16900
1283
1080
953
17000
1289
1085
958
17100
1296
1091
963
17200
1302
1096
968
17300
1308
1102
972
17400
1315
1107
977
17500
1321
1113
982
17600
1328
1118
987
17700
1334
1124
992
17800
1340
1129
997
17900
1347
1135
1002
18000
1353
1140
1007
18100
1359
1145
1012
18200
1366
1151
1017
18300
1372
1156
1021
18400
1378
1162
1026
18500
1384
1167
1031
18600
1391
1172
1036
18700
1397
1178
1041
18800
1403
1183
1046
18900
1409
1188
1050
19000
1416
1194
1055
19100
1422
1199
1060
19200
1428
1204
1065
19300
1434
1210
1069
19400
1440
1215
1074
19500
1446
1220
1079
19600
1452
1226
1084
19700
1458
1231
1088
19800
1465
1236
1093
19900
1471
1241
1098
20000
1477
1247
1103
20100
1483
1252
1107
20200
1489
1257
1112
20300
1495
1262
1117
20400
1501
1268
1121
20500
1507
1273
1126
20600
1513
1278
1131
20700
1519
1283
1135
20800
1525
1288
1140
20900
1531
1293
1145
21000
1537
1299
1149
21100
1542
1304
1154
21200
1548
1309
1159
21300
1554
1314
1163
21400
1560
1319
1168
21500
1566
1324
1172
21600
1572
1329
1177
21700
1578
1334
1182
21800
1583
1339
1186
21900
1589
1344
1191
22000
1595
1349
1195
22100
1601
1354
1200
22200
1607
1359
1204
22300
1612
1364
1209
22400
1618
1369
1213
22500
1624
1374
1218
22600
1629
1379
1223
22700
1635
1384
1227
22800
1641
1389
1232
22900
1647
1394
1236
23000
1652
1399
1240
23100
1658
1404
1245
23200
1663
1409
1249
23300
1669
1414
1254
23400
1675
1419
1258
23500
1680
1424
1263
23600
1686
1429
1267
23700
1691
1433
1272
23800
1697
1438
1276
23900
1702
1443
1280
24000
1708
1448
1285
24100
1714
1453
1289
24200
1719
1458
1294
24300
1724
1462
1298
24400
1730
1467
1302
24500
1735
1472
1307
24600
1741
1477
1311
24700
1746
1482
1315
24800
1752
1486
1320
24900
1757
1491
1324
25000
1762
1496
1328
25100
1768
1501
1333
25200
1773
1505
1337
25300
1779
1510
1341
25400
1784
1515
1346
25500
1789
1519
1350
25600
1795
1524
1354
25700
1800
1529
1358
25800
1805
1533
1363
25900
1810
1538
1367
26000
1816
1543
1371
26100
1821
1547
1375
26200
1826
1552
1380
26300
1831
1557
1384
26400
1837
1561
1388
26500
1842
1566
1392
26600
1847
1570
1396
26700
1852
1575
1401
26800
1857
1579
1405
26900
1862
1584
1409
27000
1867
1589
1413
27100
1873
1593
1417
27200
1878
1598
1421
27300
1883
1602
1425
27400
1888
1607
1430
27500
1893
1611
1434
27600
1898
1616
1438
27700
1903
1620
1442
27800
1908
1624
1446
27900
1913
1629
1450
28000
1918
1633
1454
28100
1923
1638
1458
28200
1928
1642
1462
28300
1933
1647
1466
28400
1938
1651
1470
28500
1943
1655
1474
28600
1948
1660
1478
28700
1953
1664
1482
28800
1957
1668
1486
28900
1962
1673
1490
29000
1967
1677
1494
29100
1972
1681
1498
29200
1977
1686
1502
29300
1982
1690
1506
29400
1986
1694
1510
29500
1991
1699
1514
29600
1996
1703
1518
29700
2001
1707
1522
29800
2006
1712
1526
29900
2010
1716
1530
30000
2015
1720
1534
30100
2020
1724
1538
30200
2024
1728
1542
30300
2029
1733
1546
30400
2034
1737
1550
30500
2038
1741
1553
30600
2043
1745
1557
30700
2048
1749
1561
30800
2052
1754
1565
30900
2057
1758
1569
31000
2061
1762
1573
31100
2066
1766
1577
31200
2071
1770
1580
31300
2075
1774
1584
31400
2080
1778
1588
31500
2084
1782
1592
31600
2089
1786
1596
31700
2093
1791
1599
31800
2098
1795
1603
31900
2102
1799
1607
32000
2107
1803
1611
32100
2111
1807
1614
32200
2116
1811
1618
32300
2120
1815
1622
32400
2124
1819
1626
32500
2129
1823
1629
32600
2133
1827
1633
32700
2137
1831
1637
32800
2142
1835
1640
32900
2146
1839
1644
33000
2150
1843
1648
33100
2155
1846
1651
33200
2159
1850
1655
33300
2163
1854
1659
33400
2168
1858
1662
33500
2172
1862
1666
33600
2176
1866
1670
33700
2180
1870
1673
33800
2185
1874
1677
33900
2189
1877
1681
34000
2193
1881
1684
34100
2197
1885
1688
34200
2201
1889
1691
34300
2205
1893
1695
34400
2210
1897
1698
34500
2214
1900
1702
34600
2218
1904
1706
34700
2222
1908
1709
34800
2226
1912
1713
34900
2230
1915
1716
35000
2234
1919
1720
35100
2238
1923
1723
35200
2242
1927
1727
35300
2246
1930
1730
35400
2250
1934
1734
35500
2254
1938
1737
35600
2258
1941
1741
35700
2262
1945
1744
35800
2266
1949
1748
35900
2270
1952
1751
36000
2274
1956
1754
36100
2278
1960
1758
36200
2282
1963
1761
36300
2286
1967
1765
36400
2290
1970
1768
36500
2293
1974
1771
36600
2297
1978
1775
36700
2301
1981
1778
36800
2305
1985
1782
36900
2309
1988
1785
37000
2312
1992
1788
37100
2316
1995
1792
37200
2320
1999
1795
37300
2324
2002
1798
37400
2328
2006
1802
37500
2331
2009
1805
37600
2335
2013
1808
37700
2339
2016
1812
37800
2342
2020
1815
37900
2346
2023
1818
38000
2350
2027
1821
38100
2353
2030
1825
38200
2357
2034
1828
38300
2361
2037
1831
38400
2364
2040
1834
38500
2368
2044
1838
38600
2371
2047
1841
38700
2375
2050
1844
38800
2378
2054
1847
38900
2382
2057
1851
39000
2385
2061
1854
39100
2389
2064
1857
39200
2393
2067
1860
39300
2396
2070
1863
39400
2399
2074
1867
39500
2403
2077
1870
39600
2406
2080
1873
39700
2410
2084
1876
39800
2413
2087
1879
39900
2417
2090
1882
40000
2420
2093
1885
40100
2423
2097
1888
40200
2427
2100
1892
40300
2430
2103
1895
40400
2433
2106
1898
40500
2437
2109
1901
40600
2440
2113
1904
40700
2443
2116
1907
40800
2447
2119
1910
40900
2450
2122
1913
41000
2453
2125
1916
41100
2456
2128
1919
41200
2460
2131
1922
41300
2463
2135
1925
41400
2466
2138
1928
41500
2469
2141
1931
41600
2472
2144
1934
41700
2476
2147
1937
41800
2479
2150
1940
41900
2482
2153
1943
42000
2485
2156
1946
42100
2488
2159
1949
42200
2491
2162
1952
42300
2494
2165
1955
42400
2497
2168
1958
42500
2500
2171
1961
42600
2503
2174
1964
42700
2506
2177
1966
42800
2510
2180
1969
42900
2513
2183
1972
43000
2515
2186
1975
43100
2518
2189
1978
43200
2521
2192
1981
43300
2524
2195
1984
43400
2527
2197
1987
43500
2530
2200
1989
43600
2533
2203
1992
43700
2536
2206
1995
43800
2539
2209
1998
43900
2542
2212
2001
44000
2545
2215
2003
44100
2548
2217
2006
44200
2550
2220
2009
44300
2553
2223
2012
44400
2556
2226
2015
44500
2559
2229
2017
44600
2562
2231
2020
44700
2564
2234
2023
44800
2567
2237
2026
44900
2570
2240
2028
45000
2572
2243
2031
45100
2575
2245
2034
45200
2578
2248
2036
45300
2581
2251
2039
45400
2583
2253
2042
45500
2586
2256
2044
45600
2589
2259
2047
45700
2591
2261
2050
45800
2594
2264
2052
45900
2596
2267
2055
46000
2599
2269
2058
46100
2602
2272
2060
46200
2604
2275
2063
46300
2607
2277
2066
46400
2609
2280
2068
46500
2612
2282
2071
46600
2614
2285
2073
46700
2617
2288
2076
46800
2619
2290
2079
46900
2622
2293
2081
47000
2624
2295
2084
47100
2627
2298
2086
47200
2629
2300
2089
47300
2631
2303
2091
47400
2634
2305
2094
47500
2636
2308
2096
47600
2639
2310
2099
47700
2641
2313
2101
47800
2643
2315
2104
47900
2646
2318
2106
48000
2648
2320
2109
48100
2650
2322
2111
48200
2653
2325
2114
48300
2655
2327
2116
48400
2657
2330
2119
48500
2659
2332
2121
48600
2662
2334
2123
48700
2664
2337
2126
48800
2666
2339
2128
48900
2668
2341
2131
49000
2670
2344
2133
49100
2673
2346
2136
49200
2675
2348
2138
49300
2677
2351
2140
49400
2679
2353
2143
49500
2681
2355
2145
49600
2683
2358
2147
49700
2685
2360
2150
49800
2688
2362
2152
49900
2690
2364
2154
50000
2692
2367
2157
The economic table is presumptive for combined monthly net incomes up to and including $50,000. When combined monthly net income exceeds $50,000, the court may exceed the presumptive amount of support set for combined monthly net incomes of $50,000 upon written findings of fact.
[ 2025 c 272 s 14; 2018 c 150 s 301; 2009 c 84 s 1; 1998 c 163 s 2; 1991 c 367 s 25; 1990 1st ex.s. c 2 s 19; 1989 c 175 s 76; 1988 c 275 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 272 ss 1-3 and 14: See note following RCW 26.19.065.
Rule-making authority—2025 c 272: See note following RCW 26.09.345.
Effective date—2018 c 150 ss 201-401: See note following RCW 26.23.065.
Effective date—2009 c 84: "This act takes effect October 1, 2009." [ 2009 c 84 s 6.]
Severability—Effective date—Captions not law—1991 c 367: See notes following RCW 26.09.015.
Effective dates—Severability—1990 1st ex.s. c 2: See notes following RCW 26.09.100.
Effective date—1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.
Effective dates—Severability—1988 c 275: See notes following RCW 26.19.001.
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catchline: Child support economic table.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 26.19.025

text:
(1) Beginning in 2011 and every four years thereafter, the division of child support shall convene a work group to review the child support guidelines and the child support review report described in subsection (7) of this section, consider the data required under subsection (8) of this section, and determine if the application of the child support guidelines results in appropriate support orders. Membership of the work group shall be determined as provided in this subsection.
(a) The president of the senate shall appoint one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the senate;
(b) The speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the house of representatives;
(c) The governor, in consultation with the division of child support, shall appoint the following members:
(i) The director of the division of child support;
(ii) A professor of law specializing in family law;
(iii) A representative from the Washington state bar association's family law executive committee;
(iv) An economist;
(v) A representative of the tribal community;
(vi) Two representatives from the superior court judges' association, including a superior court judge and a court commissioner who is familiar with child support issues;
(vii) A representative from the administrative office of the courts;
(viii) A prosecutor appointed by the Washington association of prosecuting attorneys;
(ix) A representative from legal services;
(x) Three noncustodial parents, each of whom may be a representative of an advocacy group, an attorney, or an individual, with at least one representing the interests of low-income, noncustodial parents;
(xi) Three custodial parents, each of whom may be a representative of an advocacy group, an attorney, or an individual, with at least one representing the interests of low-income, custodial parents; and
(xii) An administrative law judge appointed by the office of administrative hearings.
(2) Appointments to the work group shall be made by December 1, 2010, and every four years thereafter. The governor shall appoint the chair from among the work group membership.
(3) The division of child support shall provide staff support to the work group, and shall carefully consider all input received from interested organizations and individuals during the review process.
(4) The work group may form an executive committee, create subcommittees, designate alternative representatives, and define other procedures, as needed, for operation of the work group.
(5) Legislative members of the work group shall be reimbursed for travel expenses under RCW 44.04.120. Nonlegislative members, except those representing an employee or organization, are entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
(6) By October 1, 2011, and every four years thereafter, the work group shall report its findings and recommendations to the legislature, including recommendations for legislative action, if necessary.
(7) The division of child support must prepare a child support review report for the use of each quadrennial work group. This report, along with the data described in subsection (8) of this section, must be used in the review of the child support guidelines to ensure that deviations from the guidelines are limited and guideline amounts are appropriate based on criteria established by the division of child support, as directed by relevant state and federal law.
(8) During the quadrennial review, the data considered by the work group must include:
(a) Economic data on the cost of raising children; labor market data by occupation and skill level for the state and local job markets including, but not limited to, unemployment rates, employment rates, hours worked, and earnings; the impact of the guidelines' policies and amounts on parents who have family incomes below two hundred percent of the federal poverty level; and factors that influence employment rates and compliance with child support orders among parents who are obligated to pay support; and
(b) Case data, gathered through sampling or other methods, on the application of, and deviations from, the child support guidelines, as well as the rates of default and imputed child support orders and orders determined using the low-income adjustment. The analysis must also include a comparison of payments on child support orders by case characteristics, including whether the order was entered by default, based on imputed income, or determined using the low-income adjustment.
[ 2019 c 275 s 1; 2011 c 21 s 2; 2007 c 313 s 5; 1991 c 367 s 26.]
Notes:
Findings—2007 c 313: "Federal law requires the states to periodically review and update their child support guidelines. Accurate and consistent reporting of the terms of child support orders entered by the courts or administrative agencies in Washington state is necessary in order to accomplish a review of the child support guidelines. In addition, a process for review of the guidelines should be established to ensure the integrity of any reviews undertaken to comply with federal law." [ 2007 c 313 s 1.]
Severability—Effective date—Captions not law—1991 c 367: See notes following RCW 26.09.015.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Quadrennial review of child support guidelines and child support review report—Work group membership—Report to legislature.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 26.19.035

text:
(1) Application of the child support schedule. The child support schedule shall be applied:
(a) In each county of the state;
(b) In judicial and administrative proceedings under this title or Title 13 or 74 RCW;
(c) In all proceedings in which child support is determined or modified;
(d) In setting temporary and permanent support;
(e) In automatic modification provisions or decrees entered pursuant to RCW 26.09.100; and
(f) In addition to proceedings in which child support is determined for minors, to adult children who are dependent on their parents and for whom support is ordered pursuant to RCW 26.09.100.
The provisions of this chapter for determining child support and reasons for deviation from the standard calculation shall be applied in the same manner by the court, presiding officers, and reviewing officers.
(2) Written findings of fact supported by the evidence. An order for child support shall be supported by written findings of fact upon which the support determination is based and shall include reasons for any deviation from the standard calculation and reasons for denial of a party's request for deviation from the standard calculation. The court shall enter written findings of fact in all cases whether or not the court: (a) Sets the support at the presumptive amount, for combined monthly net incomes below five thousand dollars; (b) sets the support at an advisory amount, for combined monthly net incomes between five thousand and seven thousand dollars; or (c) deviates from the presumptive or advisory amounts.
(3) Completion of worksheets. Worksheets in the form developed by the administrative office of the courts shall be completed under penalty of perjury and filed in every proceeding in which child support is determined. The court shall not accept incomplete worksheets or worksheets that vary from the worksheets developed by the administrative office of the courts.
(4) Court review of the worksheets and order. The court shall review the worksheets and the order setting support for the adequacy of the reasons set forth for any deviation or denial of any request for deviation and for the adequacy of the amount of support ordered. Each order shall state the amount of child support calculated using the standard calculation and the amount of child support actually ordered. Worksheets shall be attached to the decree or order or if filed separately shall be initialed or signed by the judge and filed with the order.
[ 2005 c 282 s 36; 1992 c 229 s 6; 1991 c 367 s 27.]
Notes:
Severability—Effective date—Captions not law—1991 c 367: See notes following RCW 26.09.015.

catchline: Standards for application of the child support schedule.


title: RCW 26.19.045

text:
Veterans' disability pensions or regular compensation for disability incurred in or aggravated by service in the United States armed forces paid by the veterans' administration shall be disclosed to the court. The court may consider either type of compensation as disposable income for purposes of calculating the child support obligation. Aid and attendant care payments to prevent hospitalization paid by the veterans' administration solely to provide physical home care for a disabled veteran, and special medical compensation paid under 38 U.S.C. Sec. 314 (k) through (r) to provide either special care or special aids, or both, to assist with routine daily functions shall also be disclosed. The court may not include either aid and attendant care or special medical compensation payments in gross income for purposes of calculating the child support obligation or for purposes of deviating from the standard calculation.
[ 1991 c 367 s 30.]
Notes:
Severability—Effective date—Captions not law—1991 c 367: See notes following RCW 26.09.015.

catchline: Veterans' disability pensions, compensation for disability, and aid and attendant care payments.


title: RCW 26.19.050

text:
(1) The administrative office of the courts shall develop and adopt worksheets and instructions to assist the parties and courts in establishing the appropriate child support level and apportionment of support. The administrative office of the courts shall attempt to the greatest extent possible to make the worksheets and instructions understandable by persons who are not represented by legal counsel.
(2) The administrative office of the courts shall develop and adopt standards for the printing of worksheets and shall establish a process for certifying printed worksheets. The administrator may maintain a register of sources for approved worksheets.
(3) The administrative office of the courts should explore methods to assist pro se parties and judges in the courtroom to calculate support payments through automated software, equipment, or personal assistance.
[ 2005 c 282 s 37; 1990 1st ex.s. c 2 s 5; 1988 c 275 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective dates—Severability—1990 1st ex.s. c 2: See notes following RCW 26.09.100.
Effective dates—Severability—1988 c 275: See notes following RCW 26.19.001.

catchline: Worksheets and instructions.


title: RCW 26.19.055

text:
Payments from any source, other than veterans' aid and attendance allowances or special medical compensation paid under 38 U.S.C. Sec. 314 (k) through (r), for services provided by an attendant in case of a disability when the disability necessitates the hiring of the services of an attendant shall be disclosed but shall not be included in gross income and shall not be a reason to deviate from the standard calculation.
[ 1991 c 367 s 31.]
Notes:
Severability—Effective date—Captions not law—1991 c 367: See notes following RCW 26.09.015.

catchline: Payments for attendant services in cases of disability.


title: RCW 26.19.065

text:
(1) Limit at 45 percent of a parent's net income. Neither parent's child support obligation owed for all his or her biological or legal children may exceed 45 percent of net income except for good cause shown.
(a) Each child is entitled to a pro rata share of the income available for support, but the court only applies the pro rata share to the children in the case before the court.
(b) Before determining whether to apply the 45 percent limitation, the court must consider whether it would be unjust to apply the limitation after considering the best interests of the child and the circumstances of each parent. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, leaving insufficient funds in the custodial parent's household to meet the basic needs of the child, comparative hardship to the affected households, assets or liabilities, and any involuntary limits on either parent's earning capacity including incarceration, disabilities, or incapacity.
(c) Good cause includes, but is not limited to, possession of substantial wealth, children with day care expenses, special medical need, educational need, psychological need, and larger families.
(2) Presumptive minimum support obligation. (a) When a parent's monthly net income is below 180 percent of the federal poverty guideline for a one-person family, a support order of not less than $50 per child per month shall be entered unless the obligor parent establishes that it would be unjust to do so in that particular case. The decision whether there is a sufficient basis to deviate below the presumptive minimum payment must take into consideration the best interests of the child and the circumstances of each parent. Such circumstances can include leaving insufficient funds in the custodial parent's household to meet the basic needs of the child, comparative hardship to the affected households, assets or liabilities, and earning capacity.
(b) The basic support obligation of the parent making the transfer payment, excluding health care, day care, and special child-rearing expenses, shall not reduce his or her net income below the self-support reserve of 180 percent of the federal poverty level for a one-person family, except for the presumptive minimum payment of $50 per child per month or when it would be unjust to apply the self-support reserve limitation after considering the best interests of the child and the circumstances of each parent. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, leaving insufficient funds in the custodial parent's household to meet the basic needs of the child, comparative hardship to the affected households, assets or liabilities, and earning capacity. This section shall not be construed to require monthly substantiation of income.
(c)(i) When a parent's income is greater than the self-support reserve of 180 percent of the federal poverty level for a one-person household, neither parent's basic child support obligation owed for all of the parent's biological or legal children may reduce that parent's income below the self-support reserve of 180 percent of the federal poverty guideline for a one-person household except for the presumptive minimum of $50 per child per month.
(ii) Each child is entitled to a pro rata share of the income available for support but the court only applies the pro rata share to the children in the case before the court. Before determining whether to apply this limitation, the court should consider whether it would be unjust to apply the limitation after considering the best interests of the child and the circumstances of each parent. Such circumstances may include leaving insufficient funds in the custodial parent's household to meet the basic needs of the child, comparative hardship to the affected households, assets or liabilities, and earning capacity.
(3) Income above $50,000. The economic table is presumptive for combined monthly net incomes up to and including $50,000. When combined monthly net income exceeds $50,000, the court may exceed the presumptive amount of support set for combined monthly net incomes of $50,000 upon written findings of fact.
[ 2025 c 272 s 1; 2018 c 150 s 401; 2009 c 84 s 2; 1998 c 163 s 1; 1991 c 367 s 33.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 272 ss 1-3 and 14: "Sections 1 through 3 and 14 of this act take effect January 1, 2026." [ 2025 c 272 s 16.]
Rule-making authority—2025 c 272: See note following RCW 26.09.345.
Effective date—2018 c 150 ss 201-401: See note following RCW 26.23.065.
Effective date—2009 c 84: See note following RCW 26.19.020.
Severability—Effective date—Captions not law—1991 c 367: See notes following RCW 26.09.015.

catchline: Standards for establishing lower and upper limits on child support amounts.


title: RCW 26.19.071

text:
(1) Consideration of all income. All income and resources of each parent's household shall be disclosed and considered by the court when the court determines the child support obligation of each parent. Only the income of the parents of the children whose support is at issue shall be calculated for purposes of calculating the basic support obligation. Income and resources of any other person shall not be included in calculating the basic support obligation.
(2) Verification of income. Tax returns for the preceding two years and current paystubs shall be provided to verify income and deductions. Other sufficient verification shall be required for income and deductions which do not appear on tax returns or paystubs.
(3) Income sources included in gross monthly income. Except as specifically excluded in subsection (4) of this section, monthly gross income shall include income from any source, including:
(a) Salaries;
(b) Wages;
(c) Commissions;
(d) Deferred compensation;
(e) Overtime, except as excluded for income in subsection (4)(i) of this section;
(f) Contract-related benefits;
(g) Income from second jobs, except as excluded for income in subsection (4)(i) of this section;
(h) Dividends;
(i) Interest;
(j) Trust income;
(k) Severance pay;
(l) Annuities;
(m) Capital gains;
(n) Pension retirement benefits;
(o) Workers' compensation;
(p) Unemployment benefits;
(q) Maintenance actually received;
(r) Bonuses;
(s) Social security benefits;
(t) Disability insurance benefits; and
(u) Income from self-employment, rent, royalties, contracts, proprietorship of a business, or joint ownership of a partnership or closely held corporation.
(4) Income sources excluded from gross monthly income. The following income and resources shall be disclosed but shall not be included in gross income:
(a) Income of a new spouse or new domestic partner or income of other adults in the household;
(b) Child support received from other relationships;
(c) Gifts and prizes;
(d) Temporary assistance for needy families;
(e) Supplemental security income;
(f) Aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits;
(g) Pregnant women assistance benefits;
(h) Food stamps; and
(i) Overtime or income from second jobs beyond 40 hours per week averaged over a 12-month period worked to provide for a current family's needs, to retire past relationship debts, or to retire child support debt, when the court finds the income will cease when the party has paid off his or her debts.
Receipt of income and resources from temporary assistance for needy families, supplemental security income, aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits, and food stamps shall not be a reason to deviate from the standard calculation.
(5) Determination of net income. The following expenses shall be disclosed and deducted from gross monthly income to calculate net monthly income:
(a) Federal and state income taxes;
(b) Federal insurance contributions act deductions;
(c) Mandatory pension plan payments;
(d) Mandatory union or professional dues;
(e) Other mandatory state deductions, such as mandatory state insurance premiums actually paid, including for the paid family and medical leave program and long-term services and supports trust program;
(f) State industrial insurance premiums;
(g) Court-ordered maintenance to the extent actually paid;
(h) Up to $5,000 per year in voluntary retirement contributions actually made if the contributions show a pattern of contributions during the one-year period preceding the action establishing the child support order unless there is a determination that the contributions were made for the purpose of reducing child support; and
(i) Normal business expenses and self-employment taxes for self-employed persons. Justification shall be required for any business expense deduction about which there is disagreement.
Items deducted from gross income under this subsection shall not be a reason to deviate from the standard calculation.
(6) Imputation of income. The court shall impute income to a parent when the parent is voluntarily unemployed or voluntarily underemployed. The court shall determine whether the parent is voluntarily underemployed or voluntarily unemployed based upon that parent's assets, residence, employment and earnings history, job skills, educational attainment, literacy, health, age, criminal record, dependency court obligations, and other employment barriers, record of seeking work, the local job market, the availability of employers willing to hire the parent, the prevailing earnings level in the local community, or any other relevant factors. A court shall not impute income to a parent who is gainfully employed on a full-time basis, unless the court finds that the parent is voluntarily underemployed and finds that the parent is purposely underemployed to reduce the parent's child support obligation. Income shall not be imputed for an unemployable parent. Income shall not be imputed to a parent to the extent the parent is unemployed or significantly underemployed due to the parent's efforts to comply with court-ordered reunification efforts under chapter 13.34 RCW or under a voluntary placement agreement with an agency supervising the child.
(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, in the absence of records of a parent's actual earnings, the court shall impute a parent's income in the following order of priority:
(i) Full-time earnings at the current rate of pay;
(ii) Full-time earnings at the historical rate of pay based on reliable information, such as employment security department data;
(iii) Full-time earnings at a past rate of pay where information is incomplete or sporadic;
(iv) Earnings of 32 hours per week at minimum wage in the jurisdiction where the parent resides if the parent is on or recently coming off temporary assistance for needy families or recently coming off aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits, pregnant women assistance benefits, essential needs and housing support, supplemental security income, or disability, has recently been released from incarceration, or is a recent high school graduate. Imputation of earnings at 32 hours per week under this subsection is a rebuttable presumption;
(v) Full-time earnings at minimum wage in the jurisdiction where the parent resides if the parent has a recent history of minimum wage earnings, has never been employed and has no earnings history, or has no significant earnings history;
(vi) Median net monthly income of year-round full-time workers as derived from the United States bureau of census, current population reports, or such replacement report as published by the bureau of census.
(b) When a parent is currently enrolled in high school full-time, the court shall consider the totality of the circumstances of both parents when determining whether each parent is voluntarily unemployed or voluntarily underemployed. If a parent who is currently enrolled in high school is determined to be voluntarily unemployed or voluntarily underemployed, the court shall impute income at earnings of 20 hours per week at minimum wage in the jurisdiction where that parent resides. Imputation of earnings at 20 hours per week under this subsection is a rebuttable presumption.
[ 2025 c 272 s 2; 2020 c 227 s 2; 2011 1st sp.s. c 36 s 14; 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 14; 2009 c 84 s 3; 2008 c 6 s 1038; 1997 c 59 s 4; 1993 c 358 s 4; 1991 sp.s. c 28 s 5.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 272 ss 1-3 and 14: See note following RCW 26.19.065.
Rule-making authority—2025 c 272: See note following RCW 26.09.345.
Findings—Intent—2020 c 227: See note following RCW 26.09.320.
Rule-making authority—2020 c 227: See RCW 26.09.916.
Findings—Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 36: See RCW 74.62.005.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 36: See note following RCW 74.62.005.
Findings—Intent—Short title—Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 8: See notes following RCW 74.04.225.
Effective date—2009 c 84: See note following RCW 26.19.020.
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Severability—Effective date—Captions not law—1991 sp.s. c 28: See notes following RCW 26.09.100.

catchline: Standards for determination of income.


title: RCW 26.19.075

text:
(1) Reasons for deviation from the standard calculation include but are not limited to the following:
(a) Sources of income and tax planning. The court may deviate from the standard calculation after consideration of the following:
(i) Income of a new spouse or new domestic partner if the parent who is married to the new spouse or in a partnership with a new domestic partner is asking for a deviation based on any other reason. Income of a new spouse or new domestic partner is not, by itself, a sufficient reason for deviation;
(ii) Income of other adults in the household if the parent who is living with the other adult is asking for a deviation based on any other reason. Income of the other adults in the household is not, by itself, a sufficient reason for deviation;
(iii) Child support actually received from other relationships;
(iv) Gifts;
(v) Prizes;
(vi) Possession of wealth, including but not limited to savings, investments, real estate holdings and business interests, vehicles, boats, pensions, bank accounts, insurance plans, or other assets;
(vii) Extraordinary income of a child;
(viii) Tax planning considerations. A deviation for tax planning may be granted only if the child would not receive a lesser economic benefit due to the tax planning; or
(ix) Income that has been excluded under *RCW 26.19.071(4)(h) if the person earning that income asks for a deviation for any other reason.
(b) Nonrecurring income. The court may deviate from the standard calculation based on a finding that a particular source of income included in the calculation of the basic support obligation is not a recurring source of income. Depending on the circumstances, nonrecurring income may include overtime, contract-related benefits, bonuses, or income from second jobs. Deviations for nonrecurring income shall be based on a review of the nonrecurring income received in the previous two calendar years.
(c) Debt and high expenses. The court may deviate from the standard calculation after consideration of the following expenses:
(i) Extraordinary debt not voluntarily incurred;
(ii) A significant disparity in the living costs of the parents due to conditions beyond their control;
(iii) Special needs of disabled children;
(iv) Special medical, educational, or psychological needs of the children; or
(v) Costs incurred or anticipated to be incurred by the parents in compliance with court-ordered reunification efforts under chapter 13.34 RCW or under a voluntary placement agreement with an agency supervising the child.
(d) Residential schedule. The court may deviate from the standard calculation if the child spends a significant amount of time with the parent who is obligated to make a support transfer payment. The court may not deviate on that basis if the deviation will result in insufficient funds in the household receiving the support to meet the basic needs of the child or if the child is receiving temporary assistance for needy families. When determining the amount of the deviation, the court shall consider evidence concerning the increased expenses to a parent making support transfer payments resulting from the significant amount of time spent with that parent and shall consider the decreased expenses, if any, to the party receiving the support resulting from the significant amount of time the child spends with the parent making the support transfer payment.
(e) Children from other relationships. The court may deviate from the standard calculation when either or both of the parents before the court have children from other relationships to whom the parent owes a duty of support.
(i) The child support schedule shall be applied to the mother, father, and children of the family before the court to determine the presumptive amount of support.
(ii) Children from other relationships shall not be counted in the number of children for purposes of determining the basic support obligation and the standard calculation.
(iii) When considering a deviation from the standard calculation for children from other relationships, the court may consider only other children to whom the parent owes a duty of support. The court may consider court-ordered payments of child support for children from other relationships only to the extent that the support is actually paid.
(iv) When the court has determined that either or both parents have children from other relationships, deviations under this section shall be based on consideration of the total circumstances of both households. All child support obligations paid, received, and owed for all children shall be disclosed and considered.
(2) All income and resources of the parties before the court, new spouses or new domestic partners, and other adults in the households shall be disclosed and considered as provided in this section. The presumptive amount of support shall be determined according to the child support schedule. Unless specific reasons for deviation are set forth in the written findings of fact and are supported by the evidence, the court shall order each parent to pay the amount of support determined by using the standard calculation.
(3) The court shall enter findings that specify reasons for any deviation or any denial of a party's request for any deviation from the standard calculation made by the court. The court shall not consider reasons for deviation until the court determines the standard calculation for each parent.
(4) When reasons exist for deviation, the court shall exercise discretion in considering the extent to which the factors would affect the support obligation.
(5) Agreement of the parties is not by itself adequate reason for any deviations from the standard calculation.
[ 2009 c 84 s 4; 2008 c 6 s 1039; 1997 c 59 s 5; 1993 c 358 s 5; 1991 sp.s. c 28 s 6.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 26.19.071 was amended by 2011 1st sp.s. c 36 s 14, changing subsection (4)(h) to subsection (4)(i).
Effective date—2009 c 84: See note following RCW 26.19.020.
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Severability—Effective date—Captions not law—1991 sp.s. c 28: See notes following RCW 26.09.100.

catchline: Standards for deviation from the standard calculation.


title: RCW 26.19.080

text:
(1) The basic child support obligation derived from the economic table shall be allocated between the parents based on each parent's share of the combined monthly net income.
(2) Health care costs are not included in the economic table. Monthly health care costs shall be shared by the parents in the same proportion as the basic child support obligation. Health care costs shall include, but not be limited to, medical, dental, orthodontia, vision, chiropractic, mental health treatment, prescription medications, and other similar costs for care and treatment.
(3) Day care and special child rearing expenses, such as tuition and long-distance transportation costs to and from the parents for visitation purposes, are not included in the economic table. These expenses shall be shared by the parents in the same proportion as the basic child support obligation. If an obligor pays court or administratively ordered day care or special child rearing expenses that are not actually incurred, the obligee must reimburse the obligor for the overpayment if the overpayment amounts to at least 20 percent of the obligor's annual day care or special child rearing expenses. The obligor may institute an action in the superior court or file an application for an adjudicative hearing with the department of social and health services for reimbursement of day care and special child rearing expense overpayments that amount to 20 percent or more of the obligor's annual day care and special child rearing expenses. Any ordered overpayment reimbursement shall be applied first as an offset to child support arrearages of the obligor. If the obligor does not have child support arrearages, the reimbursement may be in the form of a direct reimbursement by the obligee or a credit against the obligor's future support payments. If the reimbursement is in the form of a credit against the obligor's future child support payments, the credit shall be spread equally over a 12-month period. Absent agreement of the obligee, nothing in this section entitles an obligor to pay more than his or her proportionate share of day care or other special child rearing expenses in advance and then deduct the overpayment from future support transfer payments.
(4) The court may exercise its discretion to determine the necessity for and the reasonableness of all amounts ordered in excess of the basic child support obligation.
[ 2025 c 272 s 3; 2009 c 84 s 5; 1996 c 216 s 1; 1990 1st ex.s. c 2 s 7.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 272 ss 1-3 and 14: See note following RCW 26.19.065.
Rule-making authority—2025 c 272: See note following RCW 26.09.345.
Effective date—2009 c 84: See note following RCW 26.19.020.
Effective dates—Severability—1990 1st ex.s. c 2: See notes following RCW 26.09.100.

catchline: Allocation of child support obligation between parents—Court-ordered day care or special child rearing expenses.


title: RCW 26.19.090

text:
(1) The child support schedule shall be advisory and not mandatory for postsecondary educational support.
(2) When considering whether to order support for postsecondary educational expenses, the court shall determine whether the child is in fact dependent and is relying upon the parents for the reasonable necessities of life. The court shall exercise its discretion when determining whether and for how long to award postsecondary educational support based upon consideration of factors that include but are not limited to the following: Age of the child; the child's needs; the expectations of the parties for their children when the parents were together; the child's prospects, desires, aptitudes, abilities or disabilities; the nature of the postsecondary education sought; and the parents' level of education, standard of living, and current and future resources. Also to be considered are the amount and type of support that the child would have been afforded if the parents had stayed together.
(3) The child must enroll in an accredited academic or vocational school, must be actively pursuing a course of study commensurate with the child's vocational goals, and must be in good academic standing as defined by the institution. The court-ordered postsecondary educational support shall be automatically suspended during the period or periods the child fails to comply with these conditions.
(4) The child shall also make available all academic records and grades to both parents as a condition of receiving postsecondary educational support. Each parent shall have full and equal access to the postsecondary education records as provided in RCW 26.09.225.
(5) The court shall not order the payment of postsecondary educational expenses beyond the child's twenty-third birthday, except for exceptional circumstances, such as mental, physical, or emotional disabilities.
(6) The court shall direct that either or both parents' payments for postsecondary educational expenses be made directly to the educational institution if feasible. If direct payments are not feasible, then the court in its discretion may order that either or both parents' payments be made directly to the child if the child does not reside with either parent. If the child resides with one of the parents the court may direct that the parent making the support transfer payments make the payments to the child or to the parent who has been receiving the support transfer payments.
[ 1991 sp.s. c 28 s 7; 1990 1st ex.s. c 2 s 9.]
Notes:
Severability—Effective date—Captions not law—1991 sp.s. c 28: See notes following RCW 26.09.100.
Effective dates—Severability—1990 1st ex.s. c 2: See notes following RCW 26.09.100.

catchline: Standards for postsecondary educational support awards.


title: RCW 26.19.100

text:
The parties may agree which parent is entitled to claim the child or children as dependents for federal income tax exemptions. The court may award the exemption or exemptions and order a party to sign the federal income tax dependency exemption waiver. The court may divide the exemptions between the parties, alternate the exemptions between the parties, or both.
[ 1990 1st ex.s. c 2 s 10.]
Notes:
Effective dates—Severability—1990 1st ex.s. c 2: See notes following RCW 26.09.100.

catchline: Federal income tax exemptions.


title: RCW 26.20.030

text:
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, any person who has a child dependent upon him or her for care, education or support and deserts such child in any manner whatever with intent to abandon it is guilty of the crime of family abandonment.
(2) A parent of a newborn who transfers the newborn to a qualified person at an appropriate location pursuant to RCW 13.34.360 is not subject to criminal liability under this section.
(3) The crime of family abandonment is a class C felony under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
[ 2002 c 331 s 6; 1984 c 260 s 26; 1973 1st ex.s. c 154 s 34; 1969 ex.s. c 207 s 2; 1955 c 249 s 1; 1953 c 255 s 1; 1943 c 158 s 1; 1913 c 28 s 1; Rem. Supp. 1943 s 6908. Prior: 1907 c 103 s 1, part.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2002 c 331: See notes following RCW 13.34.360.
Severability—1973 1st ex.s. c 154: See note following RCW 2.12.030.
Leaving children unattended in parked automobile: RCW 9.91.060.

catchline: Family abandonment—Penalty—Exception.


title: RCW 26.20.035

text:
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, any person who is able to provide support, or has the ability to earn the means to provide support, and who:
(a) Willfully omits to provide necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical attendance to a child dependent upon him or her; or
(b) Willfully omits to provide necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical attendance to his or her spouse or his or her domestic partner,
is guilty of the crime of family nonsupport.
(2) A parent of a newborn who transfers the newborn to a qualified person at an appropriate location pursuant to RCW 13.34.360 is not subject to criminal liability under this section.
(3) The crime of family nonsupport is a gross misdemeanor under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
[ 2008 c 6 s 1040; 2002 c 331 s 7; 1984 c 260 s 27.]
Notes:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Intent—Effective date—2002 c 331: See notes following RCW 13.34.360.

catchline: Family nonsupport—Penalty—Exception.


title: RCW 26.20.071

text:
In any proceedings relating to nonsupport or family desertion the laws attaching a privilege against the disclosure of communications between spouses or domestic partners shall be inapplicable and both spouses or domestic partners in such proceedings shall be competent witnesses to testify to any relevant matter, including marriage, domestic partnership, and parentage.
[ 2008 c 6 s 1041; 1963 c 10 s 1.]
Notes:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Uniform criminal extradition act: Chapter 10.88 RCW.

catchline: Evidence—Spouse or domestic partner as witness.


title: RCW 26.20.080

text:
Proof of the nonsupport of a spouse or domestic partner or of a child or children, or the omission to furnish necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical attendance for a spouse or domestic partner, or for a child or children, is prima facie evidence that the nonsupport or omission to furnish food, clothing, shelter, or medical attendance is wilful. The provisions of RCW 26.20.030 and 26.20.035 are applicable regardless of the marital or domestic partnership status of the person who has a child dependent upon him or her, and regardless of the nonexistence of any decree requiring payment of support or maintenance.
[ 2008 c 6 s 1042; 1984 c 260 s 28; 1973 1st ex.s. c 154 s 36; 1913 c 28 s 3; RRS s 6910. Formerly RCW 26.20.080 and 26.20.090.]
Notes:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Severability—1973 1st ex.s. c 154: See note following RCW 2.12.030.

catchline: Proof of wilfulness—Application of penalty provisions.


title: RCW 26.21A.005

text:
This chapter may be cited as the uniform interstate family support act.
[ 2002 c 198 s 101.]
Notes:
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Short title.


title: RCW 26.21A.010

text:
In this chapter:
(1) "Child" means an individual, whether over or under the age of majority, who is or is alleged to be owed a duty of support by the individual's parent or who is or is alleged to be the beneficiary of a support order directed to the parent.
(2) "Child support order" means a support order for a child, including a child who has attained the age of majority under the law of the issuing state or foreign country.
(3) "Convention" means the convention on the international recovery of child support and other forms of family maintenance, concluded at the Hague on November 23, 2007.
(4) "Duty of support" means an obligation imposed or imposable by law to provide support for a child, spouse, or former spouse, including an unsatisfied obligation to provide support.
(5) "Foreign country" means a country, including a political subdivision thereof, other than the United States, that authorizes the issuance of support orders and:
(a) Which has been declared under the law of the United States to be a foreign reciprocating country;
(b) Which has established a reciprocal arrangement for child support with this state as provided in RCW 26.21A.235;
(c) Which has enacted a law or established procedures for the issuance and enforcement of support orders which are substantially similar to the procedures under this chapter; or
(d) In which the convention is in force with respect to the United States.
(6) "Foreign support order" means a support order of a foreign tribunal.
(7) "Foreign tribunal" means a court, administrative agency, or quasi-judicial entity of a foreign country which is authorized to establish, enforce, or modify support orders or to determine parentage of a child. The term includes a competent authority under the convention.
(8) "Home state" means the state or foreign country in which a child lived with a parent or a person acting as parent for at least six consecutive months immediately preceding the time of filing of a petition or comparable pleading for support and, if a child is less than six months old, the state or foreign country in which the child lived from birth with any of them. A period of temporary absence of any of them is counted as part of the six-month or other period.
(9) "Income" includes earnings or other periodic entitlements to money from any source and any other property subject to withholding for support under the law of this state.
(10) "Income-withholding order" means an order or other legal process directed to an obligor's employer or other debtor, as defined by RCW 50.04.080, to withhold support from the income of the obligor.
(11) "Initiating tribunal" means the tribunal of a state or foreign country from which a petition or comparable pleading is forwarded or in which a petition or comparable pleading is filed for forwarding to another state or foreign country.
(12) "Issuing foreign country" means the foreign country in which a tribunal issues a support order or a judgment determining parentage of a child.
(13) "Issuing state" means the state in which a tribunal issues a support order or a judgment determining parentage of a child.
(14) "Issuing tribunal" means the tribunal of a state or foreign country that issues a support order or a judgment determining parentage of a child.
(15) "Law" includes decisional and statutory law and rules having the force of law.
(16) "Obligee" means:
(a) An individual to whom a duty of support is or is alleged to be owed or in whose favor a support order has been issued or a judgment determining parentage of a child has been issued;
(b) A foreign country, state, or political subdivision of a state to which the rights under a duty of support or support order have been assigned or which has independent claims based on financial assistance provided to an individual obligee in place of child support;
(c) An individual seeking a judgment determining parentage of the individual's child; or
(d) A person that is a creditor in a proceeding under Article 7 of this chapter.
(17) "Obligor" means an individual, or the estate of a decedent that:
(a) Owes or is alleged to owe a duty of support;
(b) Is alleged but has not been adjudicated to be a parent of a child;
(c) Is liable under a support order; or
(d) Is a debtor in a proceeding under Article 7 of this chapter.
(18) "Outside this state" means a location in another state or a country other than the United States, whether or not the country is a foreign country.
(19) "Person" means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or any other legal or commercial entity.
(20) "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
(21) "Register" means to record or file in a tribunal of this state a support order or judgment determining parentage of a child issued in another state or a foreign country.
(22) "Registering tribunal" means a tribunal in which a support order or judgment determining parentage of a child is registered.
(23) "Responding state" means a state in which a petition or comparable pleading for support or to determine parentage of a child is filed or to which a petition or comparable pleading is forwarded for filing from another state or foreign country.
(24) "Responding tribunal" means the authorized tribunal in a responding state or foreign country.
(25) "Spousal support order" means a support order for a spouse or former spouse of the obligor.
(26) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession under the jurisdiction of the United States. The term includes an Indian nation or tribe.
(27) "Support enforcement agency" means a public official, governmental entity, or private agency authorized to:
(a) Seek enforcement of support orders or laws relating to the duty of support;
(b) Seek establishment or modification of child support;
(c) Request determination of parentage of a child;
(d) Attempt to locate obligors or their assets; or
(e) Request determination of the controlling child support order.
(28) "Support order" means a judgment, decree, order, decision, or directive, whether temporary, final, or subject to modification, issued in a state or foreign country for the benefit of a child, a spouse, or a former spouse, which provides for monetary support, health care, arrearages, retroactive support, or reimbursement for financial assistance provided to an individual obligee in place of child support. The term may include related costs and fees, interest, income withholding, automatic adjustment, reasonable attorneys' fees, and other relief.
(29) "Tribunal" means a court, administrative agency, or quasi-judicial entity authorized to establish, enforce, or modify support orders or to determine parentage of a child.
[ 2015 c 214 s 1; 2002 c 198 s 102.]
Notes:
Effective date—2015 c 214: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2015." [ 2015 c 214 s 66.]
Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: "If any part of this act is found to be in conflict with federal requirements that are a prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state, the Washington department of social and health services shall submit a request to obtain a statutory or regulatory waiver of provisions to the extent of the conflicting requirements in Title IV-D of the federal social security act from the federal department of health and human services." [ 2015 c 214 s 62.]
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 26.21A.015

text:
(1) The superior court is the tribunal for judicial proceedings, and the department of social and health services division of child support is the tribunal for administrative proceedings, of this state.
(2) The department of social and health services division of child support is the support enforcement agency of this state.
[ 2015 c 214 s 2; 2002 c 198 s 103.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: State tribunal and support enforcement agency.


title: RCW 26.21A.020

text:
(1) Remedies provided by this chapter are cumulative and do not affect the availability of remedies under other law or the recognition of a foreign support order on the basis of comity.
(2) This chapter does not:
(a) Provide the exclusive method of establishing or enforcing a support order under the law of this state; or
(b) Grant a tribunal of this state jurisdiction to render judgment or issue an order relating to child custody or visitation in a proceeding under this chapter.
[ 2015 c 214 s 3; 2002 c 198 s 104.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Remedies cumulative.


title: RCW 26.21A.025

text:
(1) A tribunal of this state shall apply Articles 1 through 6 of this chapter and, as applicable, Article 7 of this chapter, to a support proceeding involving:
(a) A foreign support order;
(b) A foreign tribunal; or
(c) An obligee, obligor, or child residing in a foreign country.
(2) A tribunal of this state that is requested to recognize and enforce a support order on the basis of comity may apply the procedural and substantive provisions of Articles 1 through 6 of this chapter.
(3) Article 7 of this chapter applies only to a support proceeding under the convention. In such a proceeding, if a provision of Article 7 of this chapter is inconsistent with a provision of Articles 1 through 6 of this chapter, Article 7 of this chapter controls.
[ 2015 c 214 s 41.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.

catchline: Application of chapter to resident of foreign country and foreign support proceeding.


title: RCW 26.21A.100

text:
(1) In a proceeding to establish or enforce a support order or to determine parentage of a child, a tribunal of this state may exercise personal jurisdiction over a nonresident individual or the individual's guardian or conservator if:
(a) The individual is personally served with a citation, summons, or notice within this state;
(b) The individual submits to the jurisdiction of this state by consent in a record, by entering a general appearance, or by filing a responsive document having the effect of waiving any contest to personal jurisdiction;
(c) The individual resided with the child in this state;
(d) The individual resided in this state and provided prenatal expenses or support for the child;
(e) The child resides in this state as a result of the acts or directives of the individual;
(f) The individual engaged in sexual intercourse in this state and the child may have been conceived by that act of intercourse; or
(g) There is any other basis consistent with the constitutions of this state and the United States for the exercise of personal jurisdiction.
(2) The bases of personal jurisdiction set forth in subsection (1) of this section or in any other law of this state may not be used to acquire personal jurisdiction for a tribunal of this state to modify a child support order of another state unless the requirements of RCW 26.21A.550 are met, or, in the case of a foreign support order, unless the requirements of RCW 26.21A.570 are met.
[ 2015 c 214 s 4; 2002 c 198 s 201.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Bases for jurisdiction over nonresident.


title: RCW 26.21A.106

text:
Personal jurisdiction acquired by a tribunal of this state in a proceeding under this chapter or other law of this state relating to a support order continues as long as a tribunal of this state has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify its order or continuing jurisdiction to enforce its order as provided by RCW 26.21A.120, 26.21A.125, and 26.21A.150.
[ 2015 c 214 s 42.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.

catchline: Duration of personal jurisdiction.


title: RCW 26.21A.110

text:
Under this chapter, a tribunal of this state may serve as an initiating tribunal to forward proceedings to a tribunal of another state and as a responding tribunal for proceedings initiated in another state or a foreign country.
[ 2015 c 214 s 5; 2002 c 198 s 203.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Initiating and responding tribunal of this state.


title: RCW 26.21A.115

text:
(1) A tribunal of this state may exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order if the petition or comparable pleading is filed after a pleading is filed in another state or a foreign country only if:
(a) The petition or comparable pleading in this state is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in the other state or the foreign country for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by the other state or the foreign country;
(b) The contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in the other state or the foreign country; and
(c) If relevant, this state is the home state of the child.
(2) A tribunal of this state may not exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order if the petition or comparable pleading is filed before a petition or comparable pleading is filed in another state or a foreign country if:
(a) The petition or comparable pleading in the other state or foreign country is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in this state for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by this state;
(b) The contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in this state; and
(c) If relevant, the other state or foreign country is the home state of the child.
[ 2015 c 214 s 6; 2002 c 198 s 204.]
Notes:
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: "If after submission of a waiver request pursuant to section 62 of this act, the federal department of health and human services denies the request for the waiver, then section 61 of this act is inoperative with respect to sections 1 through 60 of this act." [ 2015 c 214 s 63.]
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Simultaneous proceedings.


title: RCW 26.21A.120

text:
(1) A tribunal of this state that has issued a child support order consistent with the law of this state has and shall exercise continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify its child support order if the order is the controlling order and:
(a) At the time of the filing of a request for modification this state is the residence of the obligor, the individual obligee, or the child for whose benefit the support order is issued; or
(b) Even if this state is not the residence of the obligor, the individual obligee, or the child for whose benefit the support order is issued, the parties consent in a record or in open court that the tribunal of this state may continue to exercise jurisdiction to modify its order.
(2) A tribunal of this state that has issued a child support order consistent with the law of this state shall not exercise continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify the order if:
(a) All of the parties who are individuals file consent in a record with the tribunal of this state that a tribunal of another state that has jurisdiction over at least one of the parties who is an individual or that is located in the state of residence of the child may modify the order and assume continuing, exclusive jurisdiction; or
(b) Its order is not the controlling order.
(3) If a tribunal of another state has issued a child support order pursuant to the uniform interstate family support act or a law substantially similar to that act which modifies a child support order of a tribunal of this state, tribunals of this state shall recognize the continuing, exclusive jurisdiction of the tribunal of the other state.
(4) A tribunal of this state that lacks continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify a child support order may serve as an initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to modify a support order issued in that state.
(5) A temporary support order issued ex parte or pending resolution of a jurisdictional conflict does not create continuing, exclusive jurisdiction in the issuing tribunal.
[ 2002 c 198 s 205.]
Notes:
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify child support order.


title: RCW 26.21A.125

text:
(1) A tribunal of this state that has issued a child support order consistent with the law of this state may serve as an initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to enforce:
(a) The order if the order is the controlling order and has not been modified by a tribunal of another state that assumed jurisdiction pursuant to the uniform interstate family support act; or
(b) A money judgment for arrears of support and interest on the order accrued before a determination that an order of a tribunal of another state is the controlling order.
(2) A tribunal of this state having continuing jurisdiction over a support order may act as a responding tribunal to enforce the order.
[ 2015 c 214 s 7; 2002 c 198 s 206.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Continuing jurisdiction to enforce child support order.


title: RCW 26.21A.130

text:
(1) If a proceeding is brought under this chapter and only one tribunal has issued a child support order, the order of that tribunal controls and must be so recognized.
(2) If a proceeding is brought under this chapter, and two or more child support orders have been issued by tribunals of this state, or another state, or a foreign country with regard to the same obligor and same child, a tribunal of this state having personal jurisdiction over both the obligor and individual obligee shall apply the following rules and by order shall determine which order controls and must be recognized:
(a) If only one of the tribunals would have continuing, exclusive jurisdiction under this chapter, the order of that tribunal controls.
(b) If more than one of the tribunals would have continuing, exclusive jurisdiction under this chapter:
(i) An order issued by a tribunal in the current home state of the child controls; or
(ii) If an order has not been issued in the current home state of the child, the order most recently issued controls.
(c) If none of the tribunals would have continuing, exclusive jurisdiction under this chapter, the tribunal of this state shall issue a child support order, which controls.
(3) If two or more child support orders have been issued for the same obligor and same child, upon request of a party who is an individual or that is a support enforcement agency, a tribunal of this state having personal jurisdiction over both the obligor and the obligee who is an individual shall determine which order controls under subsection (2) of this section. The request may be filed with a registration for enforcement or registration for modification pursuant to Article 6 of this chapter, or may be filed as a separate proceeding.
(4) A request to determine which is the controlling order must be accompanied by a copy of every child support order in effect and the applicable record of payments. The requesting party shall give notice of the request to each party whose rights may be affected by the determination.
(5) The tribunal that issued the controlling order under subsection (1), (2), or (3) of this section has continuing jurisdiction to the extent provided in RCW 26.21A.120 or 26.21A.125.
(6) A tribunal of this state that determines by order which is the controlling order under subsection (2)(a) or (b) or (3) of this section or that issues a new controlling order under subsection (2)(c) of this section shall state in that order:
(a) The basis upon which the tribunal made its determination;
(b) The amount of prospective support, if any; and
(c) The total amount of consolidated arrears and accrued interest, if any, under all of the orders after all payments made are credited as provided by RCW 26.21A.140.
(7) Within thirty days after issuance of an order determining which is the controlling order, the party obtaining the order shall file a certified copy of it in each tribunal that issued or registered an earlier order of child support. A party or support enforcement agency obtaining the order that fails to file a certified copy is subject to appropriate sanctions by a tribunal in which the issue of failure to file arises. The failure to file does not affect the validity or enforceability of the controlling order.
(8) An order that has been determined to be the controlling order, or a judgment for consolidated arrears of support and interest, if any, made pursuant to this section must be recognized in proceedings under this chapter.
[ 2015 c 214 s 8; 2002 c 198 s 207.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Determination of controlling child support order.


title: RCW 26.21A.135

text:
In responding to registrations or petitions for enforcement of two or more child support orders in effect at the same time with regard to the same obligor and different individual obligees, at least one of which was issued by a tribunal of another state or a foreign country, a tribunal of this state shall enforce those orders in the same manner as if the orders had been issued by a tribunal of this state.
[ 2015 c 214 s 9; 2002 c 198 s 208.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Child support orders for two or more obligees.


title: RCW 26.21A.140

text:
A tribunal of this state shall credit amounts collected for a particular period pursuant to any child support order against the amounts owed for the same period under any other child support order for support of the same child issued by a tribunal of this state, another state, or a foreign country.
[ 2015 c 214 s 10; 2002 c 198 s 209.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Credit for payments.


title: RCW 26.21A.146

text:
A tribunal of this state exercising personal jurisdiction over a nonresident in a proceeding under this chapter, under other law of this state relating to a support order, or recognizing a foreign support order may receive evidence from outside this state pursuant to RCW 26.21A.275, communicate with a tribunal outside this state pursuant to RCW 26.21A.280, and obtain discovery through a tribunal outside this state pursuant to RCW 26.21A.285. In all other respects, Articles 3 through 6 of this chapter do not apply and the tribunal shall apply the procedural and substantive law of this state.
[ 2015 c 214 s 43.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.

catchline: Application of chapter to nonresident subject to personal jurisdiction.


title: RCW 26.21A.150

text:
(1) A tribunal of this state issuing a spousal support order consistent with the law of this state has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify the spousal support order throughout the existence of the support obligation.
(2) A tribunal of this state may not modify a spousal support order issued by a tribunal of another state or a foreign country having continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over that order under the law of that state or foreign country.
(3) A tribunal of this state that has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over a spousal support order may serve as:
(a) An initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to enforce the spousal support order issued in this state; or
(b) A responding tribunal to enforce or modify its own spousal support order.
[ 2015 c 214 s 11; 2002 c 198 s 211.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify spousal support order.


title: RCW 26.21A.200

text:
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, this article applies to all proceedings under this chapter.
(2) An individual petitioner or a support enforcement agency may initiate a proceeding authorized under this chapter by filing a petition in an initiating tribunal for forwarding to a responding tribunal or by filing a petition or a comparable pleading directly in a tribunal of another state or a foreign country which has or can obtain personal jurisdiction over the respondent.
[ 2015 c 214 s 12; 2002 c 198 s 301.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Proceedings under this chapter.


title: RCW 26.21A.205

text:
A minor parent, or a guardian or other legal representative of a minor parent, may maintain a proceeding on behalf of or for the benefit of the minor's child.
[ 2002 c 198 s 302.]
Notes:
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Proceeding by minor parent.


title: RCW 26.21A.210

text:
Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, a responding tribunal of this state shall:
(1) Apply the procedural and substantive law generally applicable to similar proceedings originating in this state and may exercise all powers and provide all remedies available in those proceedings; and
(2) Determine the duty of support and the amount payable in accordance with the law and support guidelines of this state.
[ 2002 c 198 s 303.]
Notes:
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Application of law of this state.


title: RCW 26.21A.215

text:
(1) Upon the filing of a petition authorized by this chapter, an initiating tribunal of this state shall forward the petition and its accompanying documents:
(a) To the responding tribunal or appropriate support enforcement agency in the responding state; or
(b) If the identity of the responding tribunal is unknown, to the state information agency of the responding state with a request that they be forwarded to the appropriate tribunal and that receipt be acknowledged.
(2) If requested by the responding tribunal, a tribunal of this state shall issue a certificate or other document and make findings required by the law of the responding state. If the responding tribunal is in a foreign country, upon request the tribunal of this state shall specify the amount of support sought, convert that amount into the equivalent amount in the foreign currency under applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported, and provide any other documents necessary to satisfy the requirements of the responding foreign tribunal.
[ 2015 c 214 s 13; 2002 c 198 s 304.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Duties of initiating tribunal.


title: RCW 26.21A.220

text:
(1) When a responding tribunal of this state receives a petition or comparable pleading from an initiating tribunal or directly pursuant to RCW 26.21A.200(2), it shall cause the petition or pleading to be filed and notify the petitioner where and when it was filed.
(2) A responding tribunal of this state, to the extent not prohibited by other law, may do one or more of the following:
(a) Establish or enforce a support order, modify a child support order, determine the controlling child support order, or determine parentage of a child;
(b) Order an obligor to comply with a support order, specifying the amount and the manner of compliance;
(c) Order income withholding;
(d) Determine the amount of any arrearages, and specify a method of payment;
(e) Enforce orders by civil or criminal contempt, or both;
(f) Set aside property for satisfaction of the support order;
(g) Place liens and order execution on the obligor's property;
(h) Order an obligor to keep the tribunal informed of the obligor's current residential address, email address, telephone number, employer, address of employment, and telephone number at the place of employment;
(i) Issue a bench warrant for an obligor who has failed after proper notice to appear at a hearing ordered by the tribunal and enter the bench warrant in any local and state computer systems for criminal warrants;
(j) Order the obligor to seek appropriate employment by specified methods;
(k) Award reasonable attorneys' fees and other fees and costs; and
(l) Grant any other available remedy.
(3) A responding tribunal of this state shall include in a support order issued under this chapter, or in the documents accompanying the order, the calculations on which the support order is based.
(4) A responding tribunal of this state may not condition the payment of a support order issued under this chapter upon compliance by a party with provisions for visitation.
(5) If a responding tribunal of this state issues an order under this chapter, the tribunal shall send a copy of the order to the petitioner and the respondent and to the initiating tribunal, if any.
(6) If requested to enforce a support order, arrears, or judgment or modify a support order stated in a foreign currency, a responding tribunal of this state shall convert the amount stated in the foreign currency to the equivalent amount in dollars under the applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported.
[ 2015 c 214 s 14; 2002 c 198 s 305.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Duties and powers of responding tribunal.


title: RCW 26.21A.225

text:
If a petition or comparable pleading is received by an inappropriate tribunal of this state, the tribunal shall forward the pleading and accompanying documents to an appropriate tribunal of this state or another state and notify the petitioner where and when the pleading was sent.
[ 2015 c 214 s 15; 2002 c 198 s 306.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Inappropriate tribunal.


title: RCW 26.21A.230

text:
(1) A support enforcement agency of this state, upon request, shall provide services to a petitioner in a proceeding under this chapter.
(2) A support enforcement agency of this state that is providing services to the petitioner shall:
(a) Take all steps necessary to enable an appropriate tribunal of this state, another state, or a foreign country to obtain jurisdiction over the respondent;
(b) Request an appropriate tribunal to set a date, time, and place for a hearing;
(c) Make a reasonable effort to obtain all relevant information, including information as to income and property of the parties;
(d) Within two days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after receipt of a written notice in a record from an initiating, responding, or registering tribunal, send a copy of the notice to the petitioner;
(e) Within two days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after receipt of a written communication in a record from the respondent or the respondent's attorney, send a copy of the communication to the petitioner; and
(f) Notify the petitioner if jurisdiction over the respondent cannot be obtained.
(3) A support enforcement agency of this state that requests registration of a child support order in this state for enforcement or for modification shall make reasonable efforts:
(a) To ensure that the order to be registered is the controlling order; or
(b) If two or more child support orders exist and the identity of the controlling order has not been determined, to ensure that a request for such a determination is made in a tribunal having jurisdiction to do so.
(4) A support enforcement agency of this state that requests registration and enforcement of a support order, arrears, or judgment stated in a foreign currency shall convert the amounts stated in the foreign currency into the equivalent amounts in dollars under the applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported.
(5) A support enforcement agency of this state shall issue or request a tribunal of this state to issue a child support order and an income-withholding order that redirect payment of current support, arrears, and interest if requested to do so by a support enforcement agency of another state pursuant to RCW 26.21A.290.
(6) This chapter does not create or negate a relationship of attorney and client or other fiduciary relationship between a support enforcement agency or the attorney for the agency and the individual being assisted by the agency.
[ 2015 c 214 s 16; 2002 c 198 s 307.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Duties of support enforcement agency.


title: RCW 26.21A.235

text:
(1) If the appropriate state official or agency determines that the support enforcement agency is neglecting or refusing to provide services to an individual, the state official or agency may order the agency to perform its duties under this chapter or may provide those services directly to the individual.
(2) The appropriate state official or agency may determine that a foreign country has established a reciprocal arrangement for child support with this state and take appropriate action for notification of the determination.
[ 2015 c 214 s 17; 2002 c 198 s 308.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Duty of state official or agency.


title: RCW 26.21A.240

text:
An individual may employ private counsel to represent the individual in proceedings authorized by this chapter.
[ 2002 c 198 s 309.]
Notes:
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Private counsel.


title: RCW 26.21A.245

text:
(1) The Washington state support registry under chapter 26.23 RCW is the state information agency under this chapter.
(2) The state information agency shall:
(a) Compile and maintain a current list, including addresses, of the tribunals in this state which have jurisdiction under this chapter and any support enforcement agencies in this state and transmit a copy to the state information agency of every other state;
(b) Maintain a register of names and addresses of tribunals and support enforcement agencies received from other states;
(c) Forward to the appropriate tribunal in the county in this state in which the obligee who is an individual or the obligor resides, or in which the obligor's property is believed to be located, all documents concerning a proceeding under this chapter received from another state or a foreign country; and
(d) Obtain information concerning the location of the obligor and the obligor's property within this state not exempt from execution, by such means as postal verification and federal or state locator services, examination of telephone directories, requests for the obligor's address from employers, and examination of governmental records, including, to the extent not prohibited by other law, those relating to real property, vital statistics, law enforcement, taxation, motor vehicles, driver's licenses, and social security.
[ 2015 c 214 s 18; 2002 c 198 s 310.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Duties of state information agency.


title: RCW 26.21A.250

text:
(1) In a proceeding under this chapter, a petitioner seeking to establish a support order, to determine parentage of a child, or to register and modify a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country must file a petition. Unless otherwise ordered under RCW 26.21A.255, the petition or accompanying documents must provide, so far as known, the name, residential address, and social security numbers of the obligor and the obligee or the parent and alleged parent, and the name, sex, residential address, social security number, and date of birth of each child for whose benefit support is sought or whose parentage is to be determined. Unless filed at the time of registration, the petition must be accompanied by a copy of any support order known to have been issued by another tribunal. The petition may include any other information that may assist in locating or identifying the respondent.
(2) The petition must specify the relief sought. The petition and accompanying documents must conform substantially with the requirements imposed by the forms mandated by federal law for use in cases filed by a support enforcement agency.
[ 2015 c 214 s 19; 2002 c 198 s 311.]
Notes:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.

catchline: Pleadings and accompanying documents.