Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

Child Support Modification

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  • You are not required to have an attorney and you may represent yourself. You may also hire an attorney at any time.
    Child Support Modification

  • Generally the court will allow you to modify a support order every 2 years if there has been a change in income or circumstances of the parties.
    Child Support Modification

  • You may request to change the support obligation if incomes of the parties have changed or children have moved to a new age category. You will be required to provide a copy of your most recent pay stub as well as the last 2 years tax returns and W-2 forms. The court may base your income on past earnings.
    Child Support Modification

  • The court may choose to set support at an amount lower than the standard calculation based on the fact that the paying parent also supports other biological children.
    Child Support Modification

  • Generally, remarriage would not be a basis to modify child support because the support is based only upon the biological parent’s income. However, parties do have an obligation to disclose a new spouse’s income in a support modification proceeding.
    Child Support Modification

  • The court can impute income to them which can be based on past earnings or earning potential given their age.
    Child Support Modification

  • If the other party disagrees with the request to modify child support, they must file an answer. You will then be required to schedule a hearing so the court can determine if support should be modified.
    Child Support Modification

  • No. The court may only change your current obligation. You will still owe any back support under prior orders.
    Child Support Modification

  • Yes, provided your order allows you to do so. However, you must file a petition before the child graduates from high school or turns 18, depending on the language on your Order of Child Support. You will need to supply the court with information concerning your child’s high school grades, college to be attended, and financial aid received.
    Child Support Modification

  • No. Your obligation will not change until a judge signs a new order.
    Child Support Modification

  • If you owe back support to the State of Washington or either parent receives money from public assistance, you must send notice of your request to the Prosecutor’s Office. They may appear at your hearing.
    Child Support Modification

  • If the other party responds to the Petition to Modify Child Support, you will have to go to court.
    Child Support Modification