If you recently got divorced and also happen to be a parent, issues regarding your children were likely discussed, and court decisions were made (or approvals granted) in conjunction with your co-parenting plan. You may also have an existing court order regarding child support in Washington. Perhaps you are the paying parent or you receive payments from your ex to provide for your children’s needs.
The court takes various factors into consideration when making child support decisions. First and foremost is typically income, in particular, how much each parent currently earns. From there, the court will no doubt consider the custodial parent’s financial ability to provide for the children.
Once a judge determines that child support will be paid and issues a ruling that specifies how much, when and how payments shall be made, both parents are legally obligated to adhere to the terms. This means that if you are the paying parent and you get angry at your ex, you cannot withhold child support payments as a means of revenge. On the other hand, if you are not the paying parent, you cannot keep your spouse from seeing the kids if he or she misses a payment.
The court expects you and your former spouse to adhere to the terms of your child support order, no matter what, unless and until the judge overseeing your case grants a modification. There are several valid reasons that a modification may be requested. If you are unsure about Washington child support laws or are currently having trouble resolving a particular problem, Hansen Law, PLLC, is fully prepared to help protect your parental rights and your children’s best interests.
