Chapter 26.19 RCW: CHILD SUPPORT SCHEDULE

Chapter 26.19 RCW

CHILD SUPPORT SCHEDULE

Sections

HTML PDF	26.19.001	Legislative intent and finding.
HTML PDF	26.19.011	Definitions.
HTML PDF	26.19.020	Child support economic table.
HTML PDF	26.19.025	Quadrennial review of child support guidelines and child support review report—Work group membership—Report to legislature.
HTML PDF	26.19.035	Standards for application of the child support schedule.
HTML PDF	26.19.045	Veterans' disability pensions, compensation for disability, and aid and attendant care payments.
HTML PDF	26.19.050	Worksheets and instructions.
HTML PDF	26.19.055	Payments for attendant services in cases of disability.
HTML PDF	26.19.065	Standards for establishing lower and upper limits on child support amounts.
HTML PDF	26.19.071	Standards for determination of income.
HTML PDF	26.19.075	Standards for deviation from the standard calculation.
HTML PDF	26.19.080	Allocation of child support obligation between parents—Court-ordered day care or special child rearing expenses.
HTML PDF	26.19.090	Standards for postsecondary educational support awards.
HTML PDF	26.19.100	Federal income tax exemptions.

PDFRCW 26.19.001

Legislative intent and finding.

The legislature intends, in establishing a child support schedule, to insure [ensure] that child support orders are adequate to meet a child's basic needs and to provide additional child support commensurate with the parents' income, resources, and standard of living. The legislature also intends that the child support obligation should be equitably apportioned between the parents.

The legislature finds that these goals will be best achieved by the adoption and use of a statewide child support schedule. Use of a statewide schedule will benefit children and their parents by:

(1) Increasing the adequacy of child support orders through the use of economic data as the basis for establishing the child support schedule;

(2) Increasing the equity of child support orders by providing for comparable orders in cases with similar circumstances; and

(3) Reducing the adversarial nature of the proceedings by increasing voluntary settlements as a result of the greater predictability achieved by a uniform statewide child support schedule.

[ 1988 c 275 s 1.]

NOTES:

Effective dates—1988 c 275: "Except for sections 4, 8, and 9 of this act, this act shall take effect July 1, 1988. Sections 4 and 8 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [March 24, 1988]." [ 1988 c 275 s 23.]

Severability—1988 c 275: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1988 c 275 s 24.]

PDFRCW 26.19.011

Definitions.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Basic child support obligation" means the monthly child support obligation determined from the economic table based on the parties' combined monthly net income and the number of children for whom support is owed.

(2) "Child support schedule" means the standards, economic table, worksheets, and instructions, as defined in this chapter.

(3) "Court" means a superior court judge, court commissioner, and presiding and reviewing officers who administratively determine or enforce child support orders.

(4) "Deviation" means a child support amount that differs from the standard calculation.

(5) "Economic table" means the child support table for the basic support obligation provided in RCW 26.19.020.

(6) "Full-time" means the customary number of maximum, nonovertime hours worked in an individual's historical occupation, industry, and labor market. "Full-time" does not necessarily mean forty hours per week.

(7) "Instructions" means the instructions developed by the administrative office of the courts pursuant to RCW 26.19.050 for use in completing the worksheets.

(8) "Standards" means the standards for determination of child support as provided in this chapter.

(9) "Standard calculation" means the presumptive amount of child support owed as determined from the child support schedule before the court considers any reasons for deviation.

(10) "Support transfer payment" means the amount of money the court orders one parent to pay to another parent or custodian for child support after determination of the standard calculation and deviations. If certain expenses or credits are expected to fluctuate and the order states a formula or percentage to determine the additional amount or credit on an ongoing basis, the term "support transfer payment" does not mean the additional amount or credit.

(11) "Worksheets" means the forms developed by the administrative office of the courts pursuant to RCW 26.19.050 for use in determining the amount of child support.

[ 2020 c 227 s 1; 2005 c 282 s 35; 1991 sp.s. c 28 s 4.]

NOTES:

Findings—Intent—2020 c 227: See note following RCW 26.09.320.

Rule-making authority—2020 c 227: See RCW 26.09.916.

Severability—Effective date—Captions not law—1991 sp.s. c 28: See notes following RCW 26.09.100.

PDFRCW 26.19.020

Child support economic table. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)

ECONOMIC TABLE MONTHLY BASIC SUPPORT OBLIGATION PER CHILD
combined monthly net income	one child family	two children family
For income less than $1000 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).
1000	216	167
1100	238	184
1200	260	200
1300	281	217
1400	303	234
1500	325	251
1600	346	267
1700	368	284
1800	390	301
1900	412	317
2000	433	334
2100	455	350
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

combined monthly net income	three children family	four children family	five children family
For income less than $1000 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).
1000	136	114	100
1100	150	125	110
1200	163	137	120
1300	177	148	130
1400	191	160	141
1500	204	171	151
1600	218	182	161
1700	231	194	171
1800	245	205	180
1900	258	216	190
2000	271	227	200
2100	285	239	210
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

The economic table is presumptive for combined monthly net incomes up to and including twelve thousand dollars. When combined monthly net income exceeds twelve thousand dollars, the court may exceed the presumptive amount of support set for combined monthly net incomes of twelve thousand dollars upon written findings of fact.

[ 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—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.

PDFRCW 26.19.020

Child support economic table. (Effective January 1, 2026.)

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.

PDFRCW 26.19.025

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

(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;

(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.

PDFRCW 26.19.035

Standards for application of the child support schedule.

(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;

(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.

PDFRCW 26.19.045

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

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.

PDFRCW 26.19.050

Worksheets and instructions.

(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.

PDFRCW 26.19.055

Payments for attendant services in cases of disability.

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.

PDFRCW 26.19.065

Standards for establishing lower and upper limits on child support amounts. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)

(1) Limit at forty-five 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 forty-five 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 forty-five 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 one hundred twenty-five percent of the federal poverty guideline for a one-person family, a support order of not less than fifty dollars 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 one hundred twenty-five percent of the federal poverty level for a one-person family, except for the presumptive minimum payment of fifty dollars 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.

(3) Income above twelve thousand dollars. The economic table is presumptive for combined monthly net incomes up to and including twelve thousand dollars. When combined monthly net income exceeds twelve thousand dollars, the court may exceed the presumptive amount of support set for combined monthly net incomes of twelve thousand dollars upon written findings of fact.

[ 2018 c 150 s 401; 2009 c 84 s 2; 1998 c 163 s 1; 1991 c 367 s 33.]

NOTES:

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.

PDFRCW 26.19.065

Standards for establishing lower and upper limits on child support amounts. (Effective January 1, 2026.)

(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.

PDFRCW 26.19.071

Standards for determination of income. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)

(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;

(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;

(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 forty hours per week averaged over a twelve-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;

(d) Mandatory union or professional dues;

(e) State industrial insurance premiums;

(f) Court-ordered maintenance to the extent actually paid;

(g) Up to five thousand dollars 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

(h) 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 thirty-two 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 thirty-two 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 twenty hours per week at minimum wage in the jurisdiction where that parent resides. Imputation of earnings at twenty hours per week under this subsection is a rebuttable presumption.

[ 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:

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.

PDFRCW 26.19.071

Standards for determination of income. (Effective January 1, 2026.)

(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;

(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;

(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.

(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;

(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.

(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;

(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.

PDFRCW 26.19.075

Standards for deviation from the standard calculation.

(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.

PDFRCW 26.19.080

Allocation of child support obligation between parents—Court-ordered day care or special child rearing expenses. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)

(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 twenty 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 twenty 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 twelve-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.

[ 2009 c 84 s 5; 1996 c 216 s 1; 1990 1st ex.s. c 2 s 7.]

NOTES:

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.

PDFRCW 26.19.080

Allocation of child support obligation between parents—Court-ordered day care or special child rearing expenses. (Effective January 1, 2026.)

(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.

(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.

PDFRCW 26.19.090

Standards for postsecondary educational support awards.

(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.

PDFRCW 26.19.100

Federal income tax exemptions.

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.