A part of the Economic Services Administration, the Washington Division of Child Support is there to aid parents in collecting and paying court-ordered child support. In seeking to ensure the best for people, the Washington Division of Child Support provides a wide variety of services and resources.

In most cases in Washington, child support comes to an end when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. A number of circumstances do exist where payments continue longer, such as postsecondary education or a child with a mental or physical disability.

The custodial parent can spend the money you pay for child support however they see fit. This means, in most cases, they’re not required to detail how they use the support money. But, in some instances, the court may require it.

To change a child support order in Washington State, there are two different ways to proceed. One is to file a Motion for Adjustment of Child Support and the other is to submit a Petition to Modify Child Support. For the paying parent, this commonly from a drop in income, frequently due to the loss of a job.

Paid by one parent to the other, child support is designed to help maintain and care for a child. A parent’s ability to pay also factors into the child support award. The court considers each party’s income and the children’s needs. This amount is called the basic support obligation.