How Long Do You Have To Pay Child Support In Washington State?

At John L. Davis PLLC, we understand the emotional challenges involved in child support issues. It’s important for both parents, whether they are paying or receiving child support, to understand the length of these payments and exactly when they will end. 

Child support in Washington State is designed with the child’s best interests in mind. The money they receive gives them financial support for their basic needs and well-being. The payments usually last until the child reaches the age of 18, but there are some circumstances where support might extend beyond that age.

Factors Influencing the Length of Child Support Payments:

• Standard Age of Emancipation: In Washington, the age when a child is considered independent is 18. This age is known as the age of emancipation, and it usually aligns with the child’s high school graduation. So, in most cases, child support payments continue until the child turns 18 and graduates.

• Extended Support in Special Circumstances: There are some situations where child support might extend beyond the 18th birthday. For instance, If a child is still attending high school and is not yet 19, support payments continue until the high school graduation. Additionally, children with special needs or disabilities might require support for a longer period. This is to ensure that the child’s specific needs are always continuously met.

• Post-Secondary Education Support: There’s also an issue called post-secondary education. Courts might order continuous support for children who pursue further education after high school. This type of support aims to assist with college or job training expenses.

Factors Determining the Amount of Child Support

Several factors determine how much child support one parent might need to pay to the other. The first factor is the income of both parents. The court looks at how much money each parent earns, including salaries, wages, bonuses, and investments. If a parent is unemployed or underemployed, the court may consider their potential earning capacity instead of their actual income. The idea is to distribute the financial responsibility fairly based on what each parent can afford. 

Another factor is the child’s needs, which include basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter. It also includes more complicated costs like education, health care, and any special needs the child may have. The more a child needs financially, the higher the child support will be.

Modifying a Child Support Agreement 

Situations in life change constantly, and the child support arrangement might need to change as well. In Washington State, either parent can request a review or modification of the child support agreement. This is usually done when there’s a big change in either parent’s income, the needs of the child become more complex, or the paying parent has additional children.

Call John L. Davis for All Your Child Support Needs

At John L. Davis PLLC, we understand that dealing with child support can be challenging and overwhelming. Our team provides compassionate, professional, and straightforward advice to help you navigate the process easily. 

Call us today at (360) 597-4740 to schedule a consultation. Let us help you support your family by providing them with the best possible future.