Our Passionate Child Support Attorneys in Spokane, WA
At Hodgson Law Office, our law firm understands the importance of ensuring that children receive the proper care, and we're passionate about helping our clients navigate the complexities of child support legal matters. Our team of attorneys provides a wide range of child support services, including establishing child support orders, modifying child support orders, enforcing child support orders, determining paternity, and addressing child support and child custody disputes.
Whether you're dealing with a contentious child support dispute or simply need assistance with understanding your rights and responsibilities under Washington State law, our attorneys are here to help. We proudly serve clients in Spokane, Spokane County, Stevens County, Lincoln County, Adams County, and the surrounding areas.
Estimate Your Child Support with Ease
We understand that child support can be complex. Use our Washington Child Support Calculator to get a quick estimate and let our attorneys guide you through the process.
Calculate Your Child Support NowHow Does the Court Calculate Child Support in Washington?
In Washington State, child support is typically paid monthly to the custodial parent, and the amount of financial support is determined by the court based on the Washington State Support Schedule. The following factors are considered in the calculation of child support payments:
- - Gross incomes of both parents
- - The number and ages of the children involved
- - Applicable deductions, such as taxes, union dues, Social Security, Medicare, and pension contributions
- - Income of your current spouse or live-in partner
- - The number of children you support overall
- - Other children your current spouse or live-in partner supports
These factors are used to determine a basic support legal obligation, which is then adjusted based on other relevant factors, such as childcare costs, health care costs, and parenting time arrangements. Our skilled child support attorneys at Hodgson Law Office can help you understand how these factors apply to your child support case and ensure that your child support order is fair and accurate.
Washington’s Child Support Laws
In Washington, both parents are responsible for contributing to the financial needs of their children. Child support payments are calculated based on the parent's income shares model, which takes into account the income of both parents. The amount of support owed by each parent correlates to their own percentage of the total combined income of both parents. The custodial parent is assumed to be spending their portion of the child support on the child, as they're the primary caregiver. Therefore, only the noncustodial parent is required to make child support payments to the custodial parent. Washington's child support law aims to ensure that children receive the financial support they need from both parents. If you need assistance with child support matters, it's recommended to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights and obligations.
Enforcement of Child Support Orders
Enforcing child support orders is a critical part of ensuring that children receive the support they need. A custodial parent may file a petition for a contempt hearing when the non-custodial parent fails to pay court-ordered child support. Various child support enforcement options are available, including wage garnishment, benefit garnishment, and even jail time. It's important to have an experienced attorney to navigate this process efficiently and effectively. Child support orders remain in effect until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school. To obtain an order for post-secondary support, a parent must petition the court before the child's 18th birthday or high school graduation. The court will consider various factors to determine which parent pays what percentage of college-related costs. As a Spokane child support attorney, we can help you enforce child support orders you need and guide you through the legal process.
Child Support Modification
In Spokane, Washington, child support payments can be reviewed and modified every two years or earlier if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a change in income or the number of children being supported. A modification to basic support obligation may also be sought due to unforeseen medical expenses or a change in where the child primarily resides. Parents can request a modification from the court if there has been a significant change in custody or parenting time, income, medical costs, or childcare/education expenses. The court must approve any modification made to the amount of child support being paid, and failure to gain approval may lead to a contempt action. Child support generally continues until the child reaches 18 or graduates from high school, but if the child is disabled, payments may continue for a longer period as determined by the court. It's recommended to consult with a family law attorney to navigate the child support modification process.
Contact Us to Learn About Your Options Concerning Child Support Issues in Spokane, WA
For help with child support legal issues in Spokane, WA, contact us at Hodgson Law Office. Our experienced family law attorneys can provide you with personalized guidance and help you understand your options in this complicated process. Schedule a free consultation by calling us at
(509) 327-1415 or contacting us online today.
Free ConsultationWhy Choose Hodgson Law Office as Your Spokane Child Support Lawyer?
Our team has the experience and dedication needed to protect your child's best interests. Here's why we're the right choice for you:
Our attorneys have nearly two decades of experience in family law, including child support cases.
We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and provide you with personalized guidance.
We understand that every case is unique, and we take the time to work closely with you to achieve your goals for your children's well-being.
We handle all aspects of your case, from filing paperwork to representing you in court, to help you achieve a favorable outcome.
We prioritize open and honest communication to ensure that you're informed every step of the way.