How do I determine the total obligation using the Child Support Economic Table?

Washington State issues a child support economic table, which is used to determine the amount both parents pay. It can be found on the court's website or easily provided by an attorney. To use it add your monthly net income to your spouse's net income and go to the section of the table showing that total. For example, if combined you made $7600 then you would go to $7600 on the table. You’ll see the follow amounts based on the amount of children: 1) One child – $1231 2) Two children – $932 per child 3) Three children – $745 per child This is the amount per child that both parents need to cover. If parents only have one child then the total is $1231, but if they have three children the total amount is $2235 = $745 x 3.

Is child support taxable?

Supporting your child, whether by directly paying an expense or through child support, is not tax deductible. If you receive child support you do not need to claim it as income and if you are paying child support you can’t deduct the payments from your income. One exception, is you are able to include medical expenses that you pay for your children as an itemized deduction on your taxes.

How does child support work if you are unemployed?

If a parent is not working a court will assign an income to them. This referred to as imputed income. Effectively, the court will calculate child support based on how much the parent would earn if they were working. In order to assign an income a court will look at the parent’s level of education, work history, as well as what someone with a similar role makes in the area. For example, if Fred is unemployed in Seattle and has only worked minimum wage jobs in the past a court could use minimum wage in the area to assign a monthly income. This would make Fred’s gross monthly income $2400 = 40 (hours) x 4 (weeks per month) x 15 (dollars per hour).

Washington Child Support Attorneys

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Washington Child Support Basics

While some areas of family law are vague or complex, Washington child support is relatively easy to understand and straightforward. It’s calculated with a formula issued by the state, which takes into account each parent’s monthly income and the amount of children that need to be supported.

Because Washington child support is based on a formula, if parents agree on their monthly incomes it can be quickly determined. Afterwards, payment logistics such as how to make payments (check, direct deposit, or through the state) can be worked out.

Sometimes parents can’t agree on a child support amount. This can happen when a child support order is first issued or years later if there is a change in circumstances. Disputes over child support typically focus on what earnings should be included as income, whether a parent’s income matches their earning potential and if any deviations should apply, which would reduce the amount.

For example, income from a second job can be a point of contention. If you work two jobs, you may be able to exclude income from one if you work more than 40 hours and the second job is only temporary. Similarly, if you have a child from a previous relationship you could request the “Whole Family Deviation,” which would lower the amount you’re obligated to pay because you are already paying support for your other child.