Washington Child Support Calculator
Estimate monthly child support under Washington's official guideline model. Updated for 2026.
Last reviewed July 2026 · Free · Nothing you enter is stored
Estimate monthly child support under Washington's official guideline model. Updated for 2026.
Last reviewed July 2026 · Free · Nothing you enter is stored
Washington uses the income shares model: both parents' incomes are combined, a basic support obligation is determined from the state's guideline schedule, and each parent is responsible for their proportional share. The parent without primary custody typically pays their share to the other household.
Governing law: RCW ch. 26.19 — Mandatory net-income economic table (last reset 2019) with a 45%-of-net cap on the obligor's total obligation and self-support reserve at 125% FPL.
Washington publishes an official calculator that applies the full guideline schedule: official Washington child support calculator. Use ours for a quick, private estimate and theirs when you need the exact worksheet figure.
Washington uses the income shares model: both parents' incomes are combined, a basic support obligation is determined from the state's guideline schedule, and each parent is responsible for their proportional share. The parent without primary custody typically pays their share to the other household. The guideline is set by RCW ch. 26.19.
No — this is a guideline estimate. Courts start from the guideline amount but can deviate for factors like extraordinary medical costs, special needs, other support obligations, or agreements between parents. For an official figure, use the state’s own calculator linked on this page or consult a family law attorney.
In most states, including under most guideline models, substantial parenting time (often above roughly 20–30% of overnights) reduces the paying parent's obligation. Our calculator applies a simplified parenting-time adjustment; Washington's courts apply their own specific rules, so treat shared-custody results as rough estimates.
Generally all income: wages, self-employment, bonuses, commissions, and often investment income. Washington's guideline applies to net (after-tax) income — our calculator approximates net income from the gross figures you enter. Courts may also impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.