Our Passionate Child Support Attorneys in Spokane, WA
At Hodgson Law Office, we understand the importance of ensuring that children receive the proper care, and we're passionate about helping our clients navigate child support. Our attorneys provide a range of services, including establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders, determining paternity, and addressing child support and custody disputes.
We are here to help, whether you're facing a contentious child support dispute or need guidance on your rights and responsibilities under Washington State law. We proudly serve clients in Spokane, Spokane County, and the surrounding counties of Stevens, Lincoln, and Adams.
Discover Your Potential Child Support Payments
We offer an innovative child support calculator that can help you estimate how much support you should be paying or receiving.
Discover Your Support AmountHow 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.
Our child support lawyers can help you understand how these guidelines apply to your specific situation and work to ensure a fair child support order is established or modified.
Washington’s Child Support Laws
Washington's child support laws ensure that children receive the financial support they need from both parents. The key aspects of these laws include:
- - RCW 26.19.001: Emphasizes the importance of both parents contributing to their children's needs.
- - RCW 26.19.020: Provides the economic table for determining basic child support obligations.
- - RCW 26.19.071: Establishes standards for determining each parent's income.
- - RCW 26.19.075: Outlines circumstances for deviating from standard child support calculations.
- - RCW 26.23.050: Details required provisions for child support orders and their enforcement.
These laws work together to create a comprehensive framework that guides parents and legal teams in building appropriate orders that meet each family’s needs.
Child Support Enforcement
Child support orders ensure children receive necessary financial support. When payments are missed, custodial parents can seek enforcement through:
- - Contempt hearings
- - Wage or benefit garnishment
- - Legal action (potentially including jail time)
Orders typically last until a child turns 18 or finishes high school. For college support, parents must petition before the child's 18th birthday or graduation. If you're struggling with a non-paying parent, our Spokane child support attorneys can assist with enforcement actions. We'll help ensure your child receives the financial support they deserve.
Child Support Modification
In Spokane, Washington, child support orders can be reviewed every two years or earlier if substantial changes occur. These changes may include shifts in income, number of children supported, or custody arrangements.
Modifications can be requested for various reasons, such as significant income changes, custody adjustments, unforeseen medical expenses, or alterations in childcare or education costs. It's crucial to note that all modifications require court approval.
Although child support typically ends when the child turns 18 or graduates high school, it may continue longer for disabled children. For personalized guidance through the modification process, it's advisable to consult a family law attorney.
Spokane Child Support Help
Struggling with child support issues? We're here for you. At Hodgson Law Office, our experienced Spokane attorneys have helped countless families like yours. Let's discuss your case and find the best path forward.
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.