Child support is money owed to your child, not your partner

Child support is a legal obligation that ensures children receive the financial support they need from both parents, regardless of the parents' relationship status. In Washington State, child support is calculated based using a standardized form, including each parent's income, the number of children, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children.

It is possible to deviate from the standard calculation

The standard form provides a baseline for child support calculations, but courts can deviate from this standard in certain circumstances. One such circumstance is when both parents share custody of the child equally, which can lead to a deviation down to zero.

Child support orders can be modified as circumstances change

Child support orders are not set in stone and can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances not contemplated at the time your final orders were entered. To begin the modification process, you will have to pass a threshold "Show Cause" hearing, which requires demonstrating the substantial change in circumstances.

Child support amounts can be adjusted

Known as a "minor modification," this adjustment can be made without a full modification hearing if the change in circumstances is less than 15% of the current child support amount. This allows for more flexibility in adjusting child support payments to reflect changes in income or expenses.