Seattle Child Support Lawyer

Helping Clients Seek Child Support Soultions in King County

Child support matters are generally at the center of many heated disputes in a divorce and when the need for modification arises. Matters involving children and finances can be complicated because parents often have vastly different views on what they consider to be fair payments. Our knowledgeable Seattle child support lawyers at Wakefield Legal, PLLC can serve as your objective legal advisor and guide you towards a child support solution that is balanced and beneficial to your children.

As attorneys with in-depth trial experience, you can be confident that we are able and willing to push a case to trial if it means protecting your interests.

Are you looking for legal advice for your child support matter? Call Wakefield Legal today at (206) 966-6933 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our child support attorney in Seattle.

How Long Does Child Support Last?

Washington parents should expect to pay child support until their child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. However, while this is the standard protocol, support could be modified and extended or shortened to fit the needs of a given family.

Support could be terminated before the child’s 18^th birthday or graduation if:

• The child dies
• The child marries

While these scenarios end child support obligations, other significant events, such as a paying parent’s job loss, could give cause for that parent to seek to modify the agreement.

Contrarily, support could be continued beyond the standard timeframe if:

• The child requires prolonged care
• The child enrolls in an accredited academic or vocational school and remains in good academic standing

It’s important to note that parents are not required to provide financial support to a child as they further their education. This support may be addressed in the original child support document or revisited and modified at a later date when the matter is more pressing.

How is Postsecondary Support Determined?

Either parent can file for postsecondary support. The court will carefully evaluate the case to determine whether it is necessary. Judges will consider the following:

• If the child is truly dependent on the parents to fulfill their basic needs
• The child’s age
• The child’s career goals
• The child’s needs
• The parents’ expectations for their child’s education when they were together
• The parents’ levels of education
• The parents’ standard of living

There are points that the parents and supported child must remain cognizant of should their financial assistance continue and cover the child’s higher education:

• Both parents are entitled to copies of the child’s academic records
• With the exception of circumstances where the child requires extra care, payments should not continue beyond the child’s 23^rd birthday
• Payments should be made directly to the institution or, if unfeasible, to the child, assuming that they do not reside with either parent

Our Seattle child support attorneys will help you understand what information you are entitled to as a paying parent.

How Are Child Support Payments Calculated in WA?

Child support amounts are calculated by using a standard formula. The non-custodial parent will typically be the one making payments to the custodial parent. If you are a business owner with complex finances or are unemployed or underemployed, you may benefit from having a lawyer review your situation to help determine your true income and support obligations.

Is There a Cap on Child Support?

Yes, all of your biological children should receive no more than 45 percent of your net income in support. A proportional share is due to each child.

Understanding Child Support Modifications

It's important to understand that child support orders are not set in stone and can be modified under certain circumstances. If you are experiencing a change in your financial situation, such as a job loss or increase in income, you may be eligible to request a modification of your child support order.

Our experienced Seattle child support lawyer can help you navigate the process of seeking a modification and ensure that your rights are protected. Whether you are seeking an increase or decrease in child support payments, we can provide the legal guidance and representation you need.

Common reasons for seeking a child support modification include:

• Change in income
• Change in custody arrangements
• Medical expenses
• Educational expenses

What Can Child Support Be Used For in Washington?

Child support in Washington is designed to ensure that a child’s basic needs are met and their standard of living is maintained after a separation or divorce. The funds can be used for a variety of essential expenses, which can be broadly categorized into several key areas:

• Basic Necessities: This includes food, clothing, and shelter. In addition to covering the cost of groceries, everyday clothing, and rent or mortgage payments, child support also helps ensure the child's safety and stability.
• Education: Funds can be used for educational expenses such as school fees, supplies, books, and even extracurricular activities. This ensures the child has access to quality education and opportunities for personal development.
• Healthcare: In addition to covering medical expenses, child support also covers health insurance premiums, doctor appointments, dental care, and any medications necessary. This ensures the child’s health needs are adequately met.
• Childcare: If the custodial parent works or attends school, child support can be used to pay for daycare or babysitting services. This helps ensure the child is in a safe and supervised environment when the custodial parent is unavailable.
• Transportation: Children can receive funds for transportation expenses, such as car payments, fuel, public transit fares, and other expenses related to getting to school, activities, and medical appointments.
• Recreation: Child support may also cover costs associated with extracurricular activities, hobbies, sports, and other recreational pursuits. This ensures the child can engage in activities that contribute to their overall well-being and happiness.

Child support in Washington is meant to provide for the child's needs and ensure their well-being is prioritized.

Understanding Child Support Modifications

It's important to understand that child support orders are not set in stone and can be modified under certain circumstances. If you are experiencing a change in your financial situation, such as a job loss or increase in income, you may be eligible to request a modification of your child support order.

Our experienced Seattle child support lawyer can help you navigate the process of seeking a modification and ensure that your rights are protected. Whether you are seeking an increase or decrease in child support payments, we can provide the legal guidance and representation you need.

Common reasons for seeking a child support modification include:

• Change in income
• Change in custody arrangements
• Medical expenses
• Educational expenses

Don't hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable family law team to discuss your child support modification options. We are dedicated to helping you find the best solutions for your unique situation.

Contact Our Seattle Child Support Attorney Today

Whether you need help establishing child support, modifying an amount due to a change in circumstances, or need enforcement against a nonpaying parent, our child support lawyers in Seattle work quickly and effectively to resolve your matter.

Our legal team understands that when child support matters are delayed, it is the children who end up suffering. Let our family attorneys help you determine a fair and reasonable amount so you can adequately care for your child’s needs.