Child Support

Washington Child Support Payments and Modification

General Form

Parents often think that they must accept the amount of support indicated by the Washington State support calculator, or that, once established, the amount cannot be adjusted in the future. Neither is correct. For a fair calculation of child support payments, it is critical to include all income and expenses. It is also important to consider factors other than income and assets, such as any amount of spousal support paid or whether there are extraordinary financial demands caused by disability or chronic illness. We examine all the issues and make recommendation about the best solution to a child support problem.

Using the Washington State child support calculator

At Amini Law Firm, P.S., our Bellevue lawyer helps mothers and fathers with child support matters. We work with the child support guidelines to arrive at a fair support payment. We also help parents with modifications and adjustments to child support amounts. To learn how we can assist with any child support matter, contact our law firm. We have been working with families on support issues since 1994, and have the experience and knowledge to help you.

Changes that can lead to petitions to modify a child support order

If there are substantial changes in the circumstances of either the parents or the child, the original child support order can be modified after two years have passed. For example, a modification petition often follows a:

• Large increase or decrease in either parent's income
• Change in the parenting plan
• Child moving into the next age bracket
• Extraordinary medical expense for the child or the parents
• Need to include education expenses in the support calculations

A petition to modify child support can be contested or uncontested

If the parents agree on the changed support amounts, they can request the judge to enter the order modifying the child support. If they cannot agree, the requesting parent files a Petition to Modify, including documentary evidence of the changed situation that led to the request to change. In either case, both parents need legal advice that takes into account not only their rights and options, but also the best interests of the child.

To learn more about child support and how it can be modified, contact our Seattle-area law office. At the Amini Law Firm, we understand that child support matters can be very contentious. We work to minimize the stress of disputes so that parents can focus on the needs of their child.

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