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Washington Child Support Calculator (2026)

In Washington, child support is based on both parents' combined income and the number of children. The total is split between you based on how much each parent earns, and parenting time can change the amount. Use the free calculator below for an instant estimate.

How it's calculated
Both parents' income combined
Income used
Take-home pay (after taxes)
Last updated
2026
Verified
2026-05-30

Source: WA Guidelines (RCW 26.19)

Calculate Your Washington Child Support

Free estimate — official Washington guidelines

Your income after taxes and required deductions

How Much Is Child Support in Washington?

If you make $60,000 a year in Washington, child support for 1 child is estimated at $794 per month ($9,528 per year). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody time, and add-on expenses (child care, health insurance).

$1,000/week ($52,000/year): approximately $716/month for 1 child.

Washington Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $619/mo $939/mo $939/mo
$50,000/yr $691/mo $1,047/mo $1,258/mo
$60,000/yr $794/mo $1,200/mo $1,438/mo
$70,000/yr $869/mo $1,312/mo $1,571/mo
$80,000/yr $950/mo $1,432/mo $1,711/mo
$100,000/yr $1,070/mo $1,630/mo $1,957/mo
$120,000/yr $1,229/mo $1,902/mo $2,294/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Washington

Factors That Affect Child Support in Washington

Both parents' net monthly incomes
Number of children
Health insurance costs for the children
Day care and special child-rearing expenses
Residential schedule (parenting time)
Income from new spouse or domestic partner (in limited circumstances)
Extraordinary income of a child
Special needs and best interests of the child
Technical details and legal basis

Washington uses the Income Shares model (WA Guidelines (RCW 26.19)) to calculate child support. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share.

Important Notes for Washington

  • Washington uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' net incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
  • The Economic Table was substantially revised by EHB 1014 (effective January 1, 2026), expanding the income range from $1,000–$12,000 to $2,200–$50,000 combined monthly net income.
  • Net income is calculated by deducting federal and state taxes, FICA, mandatory union dues, WA Paid Family Medical Leave, WA Cares Fund contributions, and certain other required deductions from gross income.
  • The self-support reserve is $2,394/month (180% of the 2026 federal poverty guideline for one person). A presumptive minimum order of $50 per child per month applies.
  • For combined monthly net income below $2,200, the obligation is based on the resources and living expenses of each household rather than the table.
  • The court may deviate from the standard calculation based on factors such as income of a new spouse, extraordinary debt, or special needs of the child.

Example Calculation

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined income: $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation for $8,000 combined and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply by Parent A's share (62.5%).

Adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Key Facts: Child Support in Washington

  • Washington uses the Income Shares model, basing child support on both parents' combined net income.
  • Under EHB 1014 (effective January 1, 2026), the Economic Table covers combined net income from $2,200 to $50,000/month. The basic obligation for 1 child ranges from approximately $477/month at $2,200 to $3,916/month at $50,000 combined monthly net income.
  • The self-support reserve is $2,394/month (180% of the federal poverty guideline). A $50/child/month minimum order applies.
  • Washington considers the residential schedule (parenting time) when calculating the final support amount.
  • Net income deductions include federal and state taxes, FICA, mandatory union dues, WA Paid Family Medical Leave, and WA Cares Fund contributions.

Washington Child Support FAQ

How is child support calculated in Washington?
Washington uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' net incomes are combined, and a basic support obligation is determined from the state schedule (RCW 26.19). Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined net income. Adjustments are made for health insurance, child care costs, and the residential schedule.
What income is used for Washington child support?
Washington uses net income, which is gross income minus federal and state taxes, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), mandatory union or professional dues, state industrial insurance premiums, WA Paid Family Medical Leave contributions, and WA Cares Fund contributions. Gross income includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, pensions, and other income sources.
Does shared custody affect child support in Washington?
Yes, Washington considers the residential schedule when determining child support. If the non-custodial parent has the children for a significant amount of time, the court may adjust the support amount to reflect the increased direct expenses during that time.
Can Washington courts deviate from the child support guidelines?
Yes, Washington courts may deviate from the standard calculation based on factors including sources of income and tax planning, nonrecurring income, extraordinary debt not voluntarily incurred, a significantly higher or lower cost of living, special needs of disabled children, and educational expenses.
How long does child support last in Washington?
In Washington, child support typically continues until the child turns 18, or until age 19 if the child is still enrolled in high school. Support may continue for dependent children with disabilities. College support is not automatically included but may be ordered by the court.
Is this Washington child support calculator updated for 2026?
Yes. This calculator uses the Washington Economic Table as revised by EHB 1014 (Ch. 272, Laws 2025), effective January 1, 2026, which is the current schedule under RCW 26.19. We last verified every figure against the official Washington courts source on May 30, 2026.
How much is child support in Washington for 1 kid?
For one child, Washington's Economic Table sets the basic support amount from both parents' combined net monthly income. For example, the basic obligation is $652 per month at $3,000 combined net income, $951 at $5,000, and $1,451 at $10,000. Each parent then pays their proportional share of that amount based on their percentage of the combined net income.
Does this Washington calculator include alimony or spousal support?
No. This calculator estimates child support only. Alimony, called spousal maintenance in Washington, is decided separately using different factors, such as each spouse's financial resources and the length of the marriage.
What factors determine child support in Washington?
The main factors are both parents' net monthly incomes and the number of children, combined under the Income Shares table. Courts also weigh health insurance costs for the children, day care and special child-rearing expenses, the residential schedule (parenting time), income from a new spouse or domestic partner in limited circumstances, extraordinary income of a child, and the child's special needs and best interests.
Is there a minimum child support amount in Washington?
Yes. Washington sets a presumptive minimum order of $50 per child per month. The guidelines also protect a self-support reserve of $2,394 per month for the paying parent (180% of the 2026 federal poverty guideline for one person) before the standard obligation applies.

About This Calculator

Uses the official WA Guidelines (RCW 26.19) (2026 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: Estimates only, not legal advice. Actual amounts are set by Washington courts. Full disclaimer.

Methodology: Income Shares model per WA Guidelines (RCW 26.19).

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