Child
Support
In Washington State, both parents have a duty to support
children of the relationship. The parties need not be
married for the obligation to attach. Child support
is determined by a set of guidelines and mathematical
formulas using both parties income to determine the
amount of support that should be paid by the non-custodial
parent to the custodial parent. It covers housing, food
and expenses associated with parenting and daycare.
If at anytime the non-custodial parent refuses to pay
or falls behind on payments, either a party acting in
his/her own capacity or the Department of Child Services
under the Washington state child support system will
enforce several methods to make the non-paying parent
pay. This is often done by means of a Motion for Contempt
for not paying the required amount of child support.
When enforcing Washington state child support, the non-custodial
parent can have their tax-refund deducted, their license
suspended and can even be jailed for continued refusal
to pay child support after he/she has had notice and
an opportunity to tell the Court why he/she has not
been paying support. A mandatory wage garnishment may
also be used to collect current or back child support
that is owed. The non-custodial parent can also have
their bank accounts garnished if they owe any past due
child support payments.
The Washington state child support system also has a
program to adjust any child support payments according
to the parents lifestyle. These adjustments are known
as modifications. Modifications can go up, or they can
go down, depending on either of the parents current
lifestyle. For example, if the non-custodial parent
receives a pay raise and is making more money than before,
the custodial parent can request for modifications to
raise the current child support payments. On the other
hand, if the non-custodial parent receive a cut in pay,
he/she can also request for modifications to reduce
child support payments. In some states child support
laws are modified are done every three year
If you have received a request to increase or decrease
your child support from the State or you ex-partner,
please call to schedule an appointment to discuss your
rights and obligations under the Washington State Child
Support system.
Contact Dave Hawkins today for a consultation.
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