Is a grandparent required to pay child support if they get custody of a grandchild?

In Washington, a grandparent is not necessarily required to pay child support if they receive custody of a grandchild. Grandparents who obtain custody of a grandchild through Washington’s Grandparents Rights Law can petition the court for child support from either parent of the child. The court will consider various factors, including the grandparent’s financial resources, the needs of the child, and the ability of either parent to pay. Although a grandparent may not be required to pay child support if they obtain custody of a grandchild, they may still experience financial burdens. Custody of a grandchild often involves extra expenses or the need to make adjustments and sacrifices. For example, grandparents may need to purchase items such as clothing, furniture, school supplies, and food. Furthermore, they may need to rearrange their schedules and make other adjustments in order to properly care for their grandchild. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not a grandparent has to pay child support lies with the court. However, given the potential personal and financial commitments involved, it is important for potential custodial grandparents to consider all of the implications before making the decision to seek legal custody.

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Is a grandparent required to pay child support if they get custody of a grandchild?

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