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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 handle child support matters. Our attorneys provide a range of services, including establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders, determining paternity, and addressing disputes.
We work with parents at every stage, from setting up the first order to dealing with missed payments or major life changes that require updates to an existing agreement.
We are here to help, whether you're facing a 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.
We work with parents at every stage, from setting up the first order to dealing with missed payments or major life changes that require updates to an existing agreement.
We are here to help, whether you're facing a 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.
Legal Advice Is Just a Call Away
Speak with an attorney who understands your situation and knows how to help. Contact our office now to schedule your consultation and start moving your case forward with confidence.
Free ConsultationHow a Child Support Attorney Helps You
Child support cases are not just about numbers. Small details can significantly affect the final amount and the order's enforceability.
We help you:
We help you:
- - Make sure income is calculated correctly.
- - Present financial information clearly to the court.
- - Request adjustments when circumstances change.
- - Take action if the other parent is not paying.
Having legal support can prevent costly mistakes and reduce delays in securing a fair order.
Common Child Support Situations We Handle
Many clients come to us after something has already gone wrong or changed. We assist with:
- - Establishing initial child support orders;
- - Enforcing unpaid child support;
- - Modifying existing orders;
- - Handling disputes over income or expenses;
- - Child support in paternity cases.
Each situation requires a clear presentation of facts and financial details to the court.
How Does the Court Calculate Child Support in Washington
In Washington State, child support is typically paid monthly to the custodial parent, and the amount is determined by the court based on the Washington State Support Schedule. The following factors are considered:
- - 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.
For example, if one parent’s income increases or a child has additional medical needs, the court may adjust the support amount to reflect those changes.
Our child support lawyers can help you understand how these guidelines apply to your specific situation and work to ensure a fair order is established or modified.
Our child support lawyers can help you understand how these guidelines apply to your specific situation and work to ensure a fair order is established or modified.
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 AmountWashington's Child Support Laws
Washington's child support laws ensure that children receive financial support from both parents. Key aspects 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 give judges the flexibility to adjust support when standard calculations do not reflect the child's or parents' actual circumstances.
Child Support Enforcement
Child support orders ensure children receive the 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).
In many cases, enforcement can also include seizing tax refunds, suspending licenses, or placing liens on property.
If the other parent is not paying, taking action quickly can help recover missed payments and prevent the problem from getting worse.
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 the other parent is not paying, taking action quickly can help recover missed payments and prevent the problem from getting worse.
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.
Child Support Modification
In Spokane, Washington, child support orders can be reviewed every two years or earlier if substantial changes occur.
Common reasons to request a modification include:
Common reasons to request a modification include:
- - Significant changes in income;
- - Changes in custody or parenting time;
- - New children or financial responsibilities;
- - Unexpected medical or education expenses.
For example, if a parent loses a job or starts earning significantly more, the existing order may no longer reflect the current situation. Modifications require court approval.
We help prepare the required documents, present updated financial information, and request changes that reflect your current circumstances. Although child support typically ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, it may continue longer for disabled children.
We help prepare the required documents, present updated financial information, and request changes that reflect your current circumstances. Although child support typically ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, it may continue longer for disabled children.
Why Choose Hodgson Law Office as Your Spokane Child Support Lawyer
Our team has the experience and dedication needed to protect your child's interests. Here's why clients choose us:
Nearly Two Decades of Family Law Experience
Our attorneys bring extensive knowledge and years of practice to even the most complex family law matters.
Complimentary Initial Consultations
We offer you the opportunity to discuss your case during a first meeting at no cost, allowing you to assess your options without financial risk.
A Personalized Approach to Your Unique Situation
Our team focuses on your individual needs to ensure we achieve an outcome that truly benefits your specific circumstances.
Comprehensive Case Management
We handle every detail of your legal process, from drafting complex paperwork to providing strong representation in court.
Priority on Clear and Consistent Communication
We ensure you are always informed about the progress of your case. You can expect regular updates and prompt answers to any questions that come up along the way.
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