Can a grandparent be responsible for child support payments?

Yes, in the state of Washington a grandparent may be held responsible for payment of child support. The Washington State Code contains a provision that provides for a grandparent, or other relative, to be ordered to pay support for a minor child in certain circumstances. Generally, the court must find that both parents are either unwilling or unable to support the child, and that the grandparent has a financial relationship with the child. For example, if the grandparent has allowed the child to live in his or her home, or if the grandparent has been providing financial support or other assistance to the child, a court may order the grandparent to pay child support. The court may also take into consideration any other factors that the court considers relevant in assessing the financial responsibility of the grandparent. In addition, a grandparent may also be required to pay child support if the court finds that it is in the best interest of the child. Generally, courts will not order a grandparent to pay for the support of a child if it would cause financial hardship for the grandparent. Therefore, in the state of Washington it is possible for a grandparent to be responsible for the payment of child support. The court will take into consideration the circumstances of each case to decide whether to make such an order.

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Can a grandparent be responsible for child support payments?

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