How is child support determined?
The Washington State Legislature has adopted a statewide formula that sets child support. The formula takes into consideration the income of both parents and the number of children. The law does not allow the court to not award child support, or to award support outside of the formula without the showing of a significant reason. Basic child support is determined by statutory formula, but additional support can be ordered for special needs or child care cost. In the Forms section of the menu we have provided a link to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services “Support Calculator” website. You can calculate your potential child support obligation by going to Support Calculator. On occasion the court can order a deviation from the standard formula calculation. Ask your attorney if deviation is possible.
Child support is based on the net income of each parent and the number of children needing support. Each parent completes a worksheet with information about their finances and the children’s needs. The worksheet is then applied to a child support schedule. The support schedule sets the basic support amount based on the parents’ income and number of children.
Child support is determined by a state mandated formula, and takes into account a number of factors. These include the amount of time each parent sees the child, the number of children, each party’s income, and each party’s tax filing status. Additional amounts may be ordered for child care expenses and health care costs (these are split 50-50).
Child Support is generally determined by Arizona Child Support Guidelines. The child support process involves a 6-page worksheet that considers among other things: income of both parents, necessary expenses for the child(ren) such as child-care, health insurance costs, etc. It also considers Court-Ordered expenses such as child support for other children, alimony, etc. As of 10/31/96, there is also an adjustment for the amount of time the children spend with the non-custodial parent.
