How it works · official guideline
How child support is calculated in Washington
Washington uses an economic table in RCW 26.19.020 that gives a monthly basic support amount per child based on the parents' combined monthly net income and family size; each parent pays a share in proportion to income. Since January 1, 2026, the table runs from $2,200 to $50,000 of combined net income, and limits protect a self-support reserve of 180% of the federal poverty level and cap support at 45% of a parent’s net income.[1]
Key facts: child support in Washington
| Guideline model | Income shares[1] |
|---|---|
| Top of the guidelines | Table presumptive up to $50,000 combined monthly net income[2] |
| Top of the guidelines | Support for all children capped at 45% of a parent's net income[2] |
| Minimum order | $50 per child per month presumptive minimum[2] |
| Official calculator | Quick Child Support Estimator (DSHS Division of Child Support) |
| Guideline last checked | October 26, 2026 |
Washington’s model
Income shares
Combined monthly net income, then per-child amount from the statutory economic table, split by income share.
Official calculator · Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Child Support
Quick Child Support Estimator (DSHS Division of Child Support)Link checked October 26, 2026
Why no calculator here? We publish a calculator only after it reproduces the state’s official numbers exactly. We haven’t matched Washington’s yet, so use the official calculator for a number.
From the official text
The rules behind Washington’s numbers
The guideline is RCW 26.19.020 Child support economic table. Open each rule to read the exact words.
- Top of the guidelines
Table presumptive up to $50,000 combined monthly net income
The economic table is presumptive up to $50,000 of combined monthly net income; above that the court may order more than the $50,000 amount with written findings.[2]
Official text · RCW 26.19.065(3)
“The economic table is presumptive for combined monthly net incomes up to and including $50,000. When combined monthly net income exceeds $50,000, the court may exceed the presumptive amount of support set for combined monthly net incomes of $50,000 upon written findings of fact.”
- Top of the guidelines
Support for all children capped at 45% of a parent’s net income
A parent’s total support for all of their children may not exceed 45% of net income unless there is good cause.[2]
Official text · RCW 26.19.065(1)
“Neither parent's child support obligation owed for all his or her biological or legal children may exceed 45 percent of net income except for good cause shown.”
- Minimum order
$50 per child per month presumptive minimum
When a parent’s monthly net income is below 180% of the federal poverty guideline for one person, an order of at least $50 per child per month is presumed unless shown to be unjust.[2]
Official text · RCW 26.19.065(2)(a)
“When a parent's monthly net income is below 180 percent of the federal poverty guideline for a one-person family, a support order of not less than $50 per child per month shall be entered unless the obligor parent establishes that it would be unjust to do so in that particular case.”
- Low income
Self-support reserve: 180% of the federal poverty level for one person
The paying parent’s basic support may not reduce their net income below a self-support reserve of 180% of the federal poverty level for a one-person household, except for the $50-per-child minimum.[2]
Official text · RCW 26.19.065(2)(b)
“The basic support obligation of the parent making the transfer payment, excluding health care, day care, and special child-rearing expenses, shall not reduce his or her net income below the self-support reserve of 180 percent of the federal poverty level for a one-person family,”
- Low income
Combined net income under $2,200: based on each household’s resources
For combined income below $2,200 a month, the table gives no amount; support is based on each household’s resources and living expenses.[1]
Official text · RCW 26.19.020
“For income less than $2,200 the obligation is based upon the resources and living expenses of each household. Minimum support may not be less than $50 per child per month except when allowed by RCW 26.19.065(2).”
Guideline: RCW 26.19.020 Child support economic table (Washington State Legislature), checked October 26, 2026.
Estimate and general information only — not legal advice. MediationList is a directory, not a law firm, and doesn’t endorse any mediator. Guidelines change; confirm with the official calculator (sources checked October 26, 2026). See also divorce laws in Washington and child support in every state.
Sources
Washington’s child support guideline, rules and official tools, read on the official sites, with the date we checked each.