Reviewed by: Jordan Walker, J.D.
Last Updated: October 2026 | Reading Time: 9 Minutes
Key Takeaways
- Washington State child support starts with both parents’ monthly net income, not their gross pay.
- The 2026 economic table sets a basic obligation for combined net incomes from $2,200 to $50,000 a month.
- Each parent’s share of the obligation matches their share of the combined income.
- Health care, day care, and special expenses are added on top and shared the same way.
- A 45% cap and a self-support reserve protect the paying parent, and the court may deviate for reasons like the residential schedule.
So, how is child support calculated in Washington? The state adds both parents’ monthly net incomes, finds the basic support obligation in the economic table for that income and the number of children, and then splits it by each parent’s share of the total. Health care and day care costs are shared in the same proportion.
If you’re separating or just received a support petition, money worries can feel heavy. At Modern Family Law, our Washington family law attorneys work with the state’s child support schedule every day. We’ll help you check the worksheet and plan for what comes next.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- How the Washington State Child Support Schedule works
- The five steps of the support calculation
- The limits that protect a paying parent’s basic needs
- How the residential schedule in your parenting plan can affect support
Table of Contents
- How Does the Washington State Child Support Schedule Work?
- How Is Child Support Calculated in Washington, Step by Step?
- What Is the Lowest Amount of Child Support You Can Pay?
- How Much Child Support Will I Pay If I Make $2,000 a Week?
- Does 50/50 Parenting Time Change Child Support?
- Can Washington Child Support Be Modified?
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Does the Washington State Child Support Schedule Work?
Washington uses one statewide formula called the Washington State Child Support Schedule. It’s set out in RCW 26.19, and courts and the DSHS Division of Child Support both use it. It has three parts: definitions and standards, an economic table, and worksheets that walk through the math.
A superior court sets support in a divorce or parentage case, and the Division of Child Support can also set an administrative order when there’s no existing support order. The schedule changed on January 1, 2026, with a larger economic table and a higher self-support reserve.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Washington, Step by Step?
| Step | What Happens | Where It Comes From |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Figure each parent’s gross and net monthly income | RCW 26.19.071 |
| 2 | Find the basic support obligation in the economic table | RCW 26.19.020 |
| 3 | Split it by each parent’s share of combined income | Worksheet, proportional share |
| 4 | Add health care, day care, and special expenses | RCW 26.19.080 |
| 5 | Check the limits and any deviations | RCW 26.19.065, RCW 26.19.075 |
What Is the Lowest Amount of Child Support You Can Pay in Washington?
In most cases, the lowest amount is $50 per child per month. This is called the presumptive minimum. It applies when a parent’s net income is below the self-support reserve, unless that parent shows the minimum would be unjust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support in Washington
Is Washington Child Support Based on Gross or Net Income?
Washington uses net income. You start with each parent’s gross monthly income, then subtract taxes, FICA, mandatory dues, certain state premiums, and maintenance paid. Both parents’ net incomes are then added together, and that combined figure is what goes on the economic table.
What If Our Combined Income Is Above the Economic Table?
The 2026 economic table goes up to $50,000 in combined monthly net income. Above that amount, the court may set support higher than the top table figure, but it must explain its reasons in written findings of fact, based on the family’s circumstances.
When Does Child Support End in Washington?
Support usually ends when the child turns 18, though the order may extend it while the child is still in high school. A court may also order postsecondary support for college or training, but not past age 23 except in exceptional circumstances.
Why Washington Families Choose Modern Family Law
Support is about making sure your children have what they need in both homes. Our Washington family law attorneys work with the state’s child support schedule every day. We’ll help you check the worksheet and plan for what comes next.
Talk to a Washington Child Support Attorney Today
You don’t have to do the worksheets alone. We offer a free consultation. Reach out to our Seattle family lawyers, visit our Bellevue family law office, or connect with our Everett family lawyers.
This article is for general information and isn’t legal advice. Laws vary by state and change over time; speak with a licensed family law attorney about your situation.
