Reviewed August 2026
Child Support in Washington
Washington calculates child support using the income shares model, set out in RCW chapter 26.19. The guideline combines both parents' net incomes and applies a statewide economic table to that total. It then divides the resulting obligation between the parents, based on each one's share of the combined income. Additional worksheets cover cost sharing for health care and child care. A Washington support order can be set as part of a superior court divorce, parenting plan, or paternity case. A parent can also apply through the Division of Child Support, which operates under the Department of Social and Health Services as the state's IV-D agency. Washington superior courts hear contested child support matters. The Division of Child Support, often called DCS, can also set up and enforce orders administratively for parents who apply for its help.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how child support works under Washington law for people researching before they file. It is not legal advice, and Virdix does not prepare or file Washington paperwork. See how Virdix works for California divorces.
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The Washington income shares guideline
RCW chapter 26.19 directs Washington courts to combine both parents' net monthly incomes. The court finds the basic obligation the state's economic table assigns to that combined amount. It then divides the obligation between the parents, proportional to their income share.
The statute also addresses cost sharing for health insurance premiums, uninsured medical expenses, and work-related or education-related child care. Those costs get added on top of the basic transfer payment.
Applying through the Division of Child Support
The Division of Child Support sits inside the Washington Department of Social and Health Services. It is the state's IV-D agency. A parent can apply through DCS for paternity establishment, a support order, or enforcement.
A parent already in a superior court case for divorce or a parenting plan can also have support decided directly as part of that case.
Which court hears the case
Washington superior courts hear contested child support matters tied to divorce, parenting plan, and paternity cases. DCS can also set up support administratively in many IV-D cases. A parent can request a superior court hearing when a case is contested.
Modifying a Washington order
A Washington order can be modified after a substantial change in circumstances since it was set. Washington law also allows a more limited adjustment after a set period of time, without requiring that same substantial-change showing. DCS periodically reviews orders it enforces and can pursue modification when reapplying the guideline to current incomes produces a materially different amount.
A parent seeking modification files with the superior court that issued the order, or requests a review through DCS for agency-managed cases.
Enforcement
DCS enforces Washington orders using standard IV-D tools. These include income withholding, intercepting state and federal tax refunds, credit bureau reporting, and license suspension for significant arrears.
A parent owed support who needs enforcement help can open a case with DCS. This works even when the original order came from a private superior court filing.
Sources: RCW Chapter 26.19, child support schedule, Washington DSHS, Division of Child Support
Not independently confirmed
- The exact time period and conditions for Washington's limited adjustment process (short of a full substantial-change modification) should be confirmed against the current statute text at filing time.
- A direct working link to the DCS online application page should be confirmed at filing time.
Child Support in Washington: frequently asked questions
What model does Washington use for child support?+
Washington uses the income shares model under RCW chapter 26.19. The guideline combines both parents' net incomes, applies a statewide economic table to the combined amount, and divides the resulting support obligation between the parents based on income share.
How do I apply for child support services in Washington?+
Through the Division of Child Support, part of the Department of Social and Health Services, Washington's IV-D agency, often called DCS. A parent can apply for paternity establishment, a new support order, or enforcement of an existing order.
Which court hears child support cases in Washington?+
Washington superior courts hear contested support matters tied to divorce, parenting plan, and paternity cases. DCS can also establish support administratively, with superior court review available for contested cases.
How do I modify a Washington child support order?+
By showing a substantial change in circumstances, filed with the superior court that issued the order, or through a more limited adjustment process available after a set period of time. A parent can also request a periodic review through DCS for agency-managed cases.
Does Washington's guideline cover health care and child care costs?+
Yes. RCW 26.19 requires the worksheet to address cost sharing for the child's health insurance premium, uninsured medical expenses, and work-related or education-related child care, adding these costs on top of the basic support transfer payment calculated from the economic table.
What enforcement tools does Washington use for unpaid child support?+
DCS can withhold income, intercept state and federal tax refunds, report arrears to credit bureaus, and pursue license suspension once a parent falls significantly behind. A parent owed support can open a case with DCS to start enforcement, regardless of how the original order was obtained.
This page is general information about child support in Washington, not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees, and procedures change over time; confirm current details with Washington's own courts before relying on anything here. Virdix is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law in Washington. Virdix does not prepare or file Washington divorce paperwork. It is not a substitute for an attorney licensed in Washington.
More Washington divorce guides
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