Child support is the Court’s best estimate about how expenses for the children should be shared. Determining basic support begins with determining the incomes of both parties and then using a table (the Support Schedule and Support Worksheets) of the needs of average children at that income level and family size.
Links to the Support Worksheets can be found the Resource section of the website.
The income ratios of the parties determine the amount each should contribute towards the children’s needs. It also usually determines how the parents will divide support related expenses such as extracurricular activities important to the children.
The expense of maintaining two households can reduce parents’ capacity to maintain the extracurricular activities they funded while together. Choices must be made to determine what activities can be funded in the future.
Post secondary support is for children who remain dependent after high school and for those who attend technical schools and college. Children who lack the capacity to provide for themselves are entitled to some continuing parental support.
Parents with college bound children may consider making monthly payments into a 529 or Guaranteed Educational Tuition (GET) plans www.get.wa.gov every month so that significant funds are set aside by the time the children reach college age. GET is a State based program. Every year they publish planning charts for long term contributions. http://www.get.wa.gov/documents/benecustom.pdf.
These units can be transferred and used by other children or revert to the parent when the children have graduated. While the law allows parents to defer making college contributions until late in high school, failing to put money aside can leave you without the funds your children need for applications and other expenses. Planning now preserves opportunity in the future.
If there are disputes over college contributions then be sure to seek college support before the child graduates.
LINKS TO INFORMATION ON WASHINGTON DIVORCE
- The Divorce Timeline
- Divorce Petition / Separation Petition
- The Temporary Hearing Process
- Divorce & Domestic Violence
- Divorce Discovery Process
- Property and Debt in WA Divorce
- Child Support and Post Majority Support
- Parenting Plan Creation
- Support Adjustment and Modification
- Modification of Parenting
- Appeal of Trial
If you have any questions about your own particular situation relating to WA divorce laws or getting a divorce in Washington, please don’t hesitate to reach out for your own free consultation.
Kydd Family Law – “Family Focus”
Our firm focuses upon the life cycle of family needs such as:
* Divorce / * Mediation / * Collaboration /
* Litigation & Arbitration / * Psychological & Financial Planning
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Call: 206-624-2329
