Child support is a critical component of the financial stability of your children, families depend on experienced divorce lawyers in Seattle to determining the best level of support for the children involved. In order to navigate the process of child support successfully, it must be understood that Washington State law dictates parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially.
Child support in Washington State is often calculated in terms of a percentage of each parent’s net income, plus work-related and daycare expenses, as well as the child’s additional special financial needs.
How do child support laws in Seattle, WA work?
Establishing a specific payment intervals is the first step to the Child Support Schedule. This schedule is based on each parent’s net income, the cost of supporting each child, the number of children, and other relevant factors. As the children’s need change, the amount paid in child support is legally open to modification. This also depends on changing income levels and the financial capacity of the parents paying child support in Seattle, Washington.
Child support payments are required until the children involved are 18 years old or graduates from high school, whichever comes first.
Child support laws allow exceptions to this rule, in some cases the child’s situation may change, which would create an exception to the financial obligation of each of the parents.
If the child marries, parents may not be legally required to pay child support, for example. Similarly, a child can be legally emancipated before the age of 18. Any changes in the child support in Washington State must be determined by the court, it is critical you have an experienced attorney to represent you in court.
In some other cases, we have seen an extension of the financial obligation of the parents after divorce. When the child requires post-secondary financial support, is disabled or has vocational education expenses, it could lead to an extension of child support beyond high school or age 18.
Talk to a child support lawyer in Seattle who knows what is at stake.
Our child support attorney Seattle team knows that child support is one of the most important parts of going through a divorce when there are children involved. We will ensure that you fully understand your rights and how the laws apply to the specifics of your case.
To learn more about child support law and potential solutions to your issues, call our child support lawyers in Seattle, WA at (206) 686-3279 or fill out or online contact form.