Washington Child Support Calculator (2026)

Estimate your child support payments in Washington using our free calculator based on the official WA Guidelines (RCW 26.19). Enter your income details below to get an instant estimate.

Washington Child Support Calculator

Based on Washington's 2024 WA Guidelines (RCW 26.19)

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This is an estimate only. See our full disclaimer.

Key Facts: Child Support in Washington

  • Washington uses the Income Shares model, basing child support on both parents' combined net income.
  • The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from approximately $190/month at $1,000 combined net income to $1,267/month at $12,000 combined monthly net income.
  • Each parent pays their proportional share of the total obligation based on their percentage of the combined net income.
  • 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, and state industrial insurance premiums.

Source: WA Guidelines (RCW 26.19) • Last verified: 2026-05-30

How Much Is Child Support in Washington?

If you make $60,000 a year in Washington, child support for 1 child is estimated at $626 per month ($7,512 per year) based on the WA Guidelines (RCW 26.19). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody arrangements, and additional expenses.

If you make $1,000 a week ($52,000/year) in Washington, child support for 1 child is approximately $571/month.

Washington Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $477/mo $666/mo $799/mo
$50,000/yr $556/mo $778/mo $933/mo
$60,000/yr $626/mo $876/mo $1,051/mo
$70,000/yr $687/mo $962/mo $1,156/mo
$80,000/yr $742/mo $1,041/mo $1,250/mo
$100,000/yr $792/mo $1,111/mo $1,335/mo
$120,000/yr $792/mo $1,111/mo $1,335/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary based on both parents' incomes, custody time, and adjustments. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Washington

Washington uses the Income Shares model to calculate child support obligations. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total child support obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income.

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

Important Notes for Washington

  • Washington uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' net incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
  • Net income is calculated by deducting federal and state taxes, FICA, mandatory union dues, and certain other required deductions from gross income.
  • 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 Child Support Calculation in Washington

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

Step 1: Combined monthly income: $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000

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

Step 3: Look up basic obligation from the guidelines schedule for $8,000 combined income and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply the basic obligation by Parent A's share (62.5%) to determine their payment.

Note: Additional adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Child Support

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, and state industrial insurance premiums. 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.

About This Calculator

This calculator uses the official WA Guidelines (RCW 26.19) (2024 guidelines) to estimate child support in Washington. Calculations were last verified against the official source on 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual child support amounts are determined by Washington courts and may differ based on factors not included here. For legal advice, consult a Washington family law attorney.

Our methodology: Based on the Income Shares model as defined in the WA Guidelines (RCW 26.19). Updated for 2026.

Child Support Calculators for Other States

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