What is a child support order?

A child support order is a legally binding agreement between two parents (or guardians) who are responsible for providing financial support to their children. In the state of Washington, the court may issue a child support order when parents are unable to come to an agreement on how to provide financial support for their children. A child support order typically outlines the amount of money and how often one parent will have to make payments to the other parent for the support of their children. The payments are typically based on the “income shares” model in Washington, which looks at both parties’ income and determines the expected contribution from each based on the needs of the children and the respective incomes of each parent. The child support order will also determine who is responsible for providing medical care, health insurance and childcare costs, among other expenses. It will also outline whether the payment will be made in a lump sum or in installments. The child support order is a legally binding agreement and failure to comply may result in serious penalties. The order is also subject to change depending on the circumstances, such as a change in the parents’ income, a need for more money due to an increase in the children’s expenses, or if one parent’s income is reduced.

Related FAQs

How can I calculate my child support payments?
Can I be held in contempt of court for failure to pay child support?
What are ways for reducing child support payments?
How can I collect unpaid child support?
How do tax laws affect child support payments?
What is the process for enforcing a child support order?
What is a motion to modify child support?
What is a court hearing for child support?
How is a deviation from the presumptive guideline calculated?
Can a grandparent be responsible for paying child support?

What is a child support order?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts