How long do I have to pay child support?

In Washington, parents typically have to pay child support until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. However, if the court has ordered it, the non-custodial parent may need to pay until the child is 21. Parents must also provide support for children who are enrolled in post-secondary education. This can include tuition, books, and medical expenses until the child reaches 23 years of age. Child support does not automatically terminate when the child turns 18. The court order may require continued payments for the child until the age of 21. It is important for non-custodial parents to keep up with their payments or the court may take action, including garnishing wages, placing liens on property, suspending driver’s licenses, and more. In Washington, parents are ordered to pay child support based on their incomes, the number of children, child care costs, medical costs, and more. They will also need to keep track of the amount they pay because tax benefits and deductions may be affected if the appropriate payments have not been made. Child support orders can be modified by either parent at any time if circumstances change, such as an increase or decrease in income. It is important to contact an attorney to help understand the rights and obligations of the parents.

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How long do I have to pay child support?

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