Can a grandparent be responsible for paying child support?

Yes, under certain circumstances, a grandparent in Washington can be responsible for paying child support. This is true even if a grandparent does not have legal custody of the child. If a grandparent is found to have acted as a parent to the child, they can be held responsible for providing financial support. This is known as the "in loco parentis" doctrine. This doctrine applies when the grandparent has expressed an intention to assume the role of a parent for the child, and the child has relied on the grandparent in that capacity. This could include, for example, providing the child with a place to live, financial support, or emotional and physical care. In Washington State, in order to determine if a grandparent is responsible for paying child support, the court looks at multiple factors. This includes the relationship between the grandparent and the child, the amount of financial support the grandparent provided for the child, and the amount of money the grandparent has available to pay. If the court finds that a grandparent has legally assumed the role of a parent, then the court can issue an order of child support and set a payment amount. In order to ensure that a fair outcome is reached in grandparent child support cases, it is important to speak to a qualified attorney who is knowledgeable about child support law in Washington. An attorney can help to ensure that the legal rights of the grandparent and the child are properly represented.

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Can a grandparent be responsible for paying child support?

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