Portland, OR family law attorney Megan Gilmore talks about how child support is determined in Washington state. In Washington State, child support is determined based on the parties’ incomes, with several factors taken into account. Child support is ordered in all cases and is required on a final basis. The process begins with reviewing each party’s pay stubs and gross income. There are limitations on deductions from net income, such as a cap on what can be deducted for voluntary retirement. Some analysis and adjustments are made based on these deductions, but the overall process is relatively straightforward.

Certain factors, known as deviations, can adjust the basic support obligation. For example, a deviation may apply if a party supports children outside of the relationship, which could lower the support obligation in the current case. Another potential deviation is a residential credit. If a parent has over 91 overnights with the child within a year, the court has the authority to grant a deviation or reduction from the basic support obligation. While the court is not required to make this adjustment, it has the jurisdiction to do so. Ultimately, the primary concern is ensuring that the child or children are adequately supported, either temporarily or on a final basis.