Does a grandparent have the right to sue a parent for non-payment of child support?

In Washington, the answer to this question is generally yes, a grandparent can sue a parent for non-payment of child support, depending on the situation. The law in Washington states that a grandparent has the right to seek child support from an adult child or the child’s parent when the child is not being provided with financial support from that parent or adult child. This includes both medical and educational support, not just regular payments. In order to proceed with the suit, a grandparent must first demonstrate the facts of their relationship to the child and the parent, as well as the need for the payments. This includes providing proof that the child has been deprived of necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, or other basic necessities that the parent should be providing. Additionally, the grandparent must prove that they do not have the financial capabilities to provide those necessities and that the parent is able to do so. If a grandparent can provide all this, they can then press forward with the legal action. If the court finds that a grandparent is entitled to receive payments from the parent, it can order the parent to provide the payments as ordered. The grandparent can sue for any unpaid amounts as well, if appropriate. In Washington, any unpaid amount is subject to interest, so that the grandparent is not left with the financial burden. Grandparents should work with an attorney to ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed properly, as the court process and paperwork can be intricate.

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Does a grandparent have the right to sue a parent for non-payment of child support?

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