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Washington Child Support Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Washington on
Q: Non-custodial parent will not pay court ordered child support. She has been held in contepmt twice. What else can i do?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Feb 15, 2024

In Washington, if the non-custodial parent has been held in contempt of court twice for not paying court-ordered child support and continues to not comply, you have several options. You can request the court to enforce the child support order through additional measures such as wage garnishment,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Washington on
Q: How can I establish a relationship with my biological child?

I recently discovered through a DNA test that I am the biological father of my ex-lover's 10-year-old child. Her husband passed away last year. He was listed on the child's birth certificate, and I was told by her that the child was his. Is there any way for me to establish paternity and... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 3, 2023

If you have reason to believe you are the biological father of a child and wish to establish paternity and have a relationship with the child, there are legal steps you can take. If the results show a biological connection, you can seek legal recognition as the child's father through court... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Criminal Law and Family Law for Washington on
Q: My friend is looking for an attorney regarding child custody (he has a 5 year old daughter) from the mother.

She's into prostitution and the judge today granted him more custody and even called the mother crazy in the courtroom. She's off her rocker and into all sorts of stuff and is using the 5 year old as a weapon against my friend.

We need to know the type of lawyer in Klickitat... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Sep 15, 2023

Sorry to hear. You would want to look for a family law attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Immigration Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Washington on
Q: Wife keeping son in Philippines against my will, didn't let him return with me, can I stop her from taking son again?

When my wife (with a US green card) eventually returns with my son (Who is a US citizen) to America, can I prevent her from taking him back to the Philippines and keeping him there against my will again?

Alexander Ivakhnenko
Alexander Ivakhnenko
answered on Aug 21, 2022

In some cases a custodial parent has a primary decision making ability with respect to the minor's whereabouts.

For instance, if the second parent lost or never obtained an ability for shared parental responsibilities then one may not prevent a legally custodial parent from traveling...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Washington on
Q: Case on UCCJEA and UIFSA. California is the home state of the children and mother. Washington is the home of father.

Need help with our case. The children live in california. They were born in Mexico. They moved to California in 2015 with their mother who chose not to allow contact with my husband as soon as she arrived in the US. My husband moved here to Washington from Mexico in 2010 so has have never lived in... View More

Zachary C Ashby
Zachary C Ashby
answered on Feb 10, 2022

For child support, the state where the children live is where jurisdiction is proper. If the children live in California, California has full power to establish a child support obligation and require your husband to pay.

UIFSA and UCCJEA are what are known as uniform law. They are created...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Washington on
Q: Wrongly served parenting plan

I live in Washington state and my daughters dad tried to serve me a parenting plan but he had it served at an address when I was not a resident. He served it to my friends apartment. When she was informed that it was for me she told the server I did not live there and she would not except so the... View More

Zachary C Ashby
Zachary C Ashby
answered on Feb 10, 2022

You are right that person service requires service at your place of residence or to you directly. So if someone attempted to serve you at a place you do not live, service was not proper. This is true even if your friend later delivers the documents to you.

But that doesn't mean you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Washington on
Q: Wrongly served court papers

Someone tried to serve me court papers but sent them to a friend of mines apartment. She recorded the man serving the papers. When she told him I did not live there and she did not except he threw the paperwork down on the ground in front of her and left. Technically I not been served yet....what... View More

Zachary C Ashby
Zachary C Ashby
answered on Feb 10, 2022

This really depends on the type of case. The reality is that if this is a family case, you will be found and service done properly. Moreover, serving documents incorrectly does not get a case thrown out.

The risk you run at doing nothing at this time is that you could have orders entered...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody and Child Support for Washington on
Q: My child turns 18 next month... what do I need to do regarding Child Support/Parenting Plan, does it end automatically?

I am just needing to know what I do when he turns 18, do I need to go to court to terminate those 2 things, or do they just end automatically when he turns 18? I obviously do not want to keep paying child support at 18, but do owe a small amount of back support, and also obviously don't either... View More

Zachary C Ashby
Zachary C Ashby
answered on Feb 3, 2022

The parenting plan will terminate automatically when your child turns 18.

Child support can be a little different. There is a termination date on the order. It will state something like this order ends when the child reaches 18. Often it is after he or she graduates high school or turns...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Washington on
Q: Child support enforcement is saying i was over paid receiving support for my 18 yr old but he was still in highschool
Stacie Lynn Naczelnik
Stacie Lynn Naczelnik
answered on Sep 9, 2021

I don't see a question here, but you should look at the end date on your order of child support to see whether it ends when your child turned 18 or when your child graduates from high school.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Washington on
Q: My son just turned 18 is he still required to visit his non custodial parent?

We live in Washington state. I am receiving support from the non custodial parent until he graduates high school per the support agreement.

Vincent J. Bernabei
Vincent J. Bernabei
answered on Feb 2, 2021

An 18 year old is considered an adult and is no longer subject to a court order for parenting time.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Washington on
Q: WA, if we agree on shared custody and she doesn't want child support can the court mandate it or allow our agreement

We're in ok terms and have been talking about a divorce for a while. She says she would want shared custody of our daughter, it's important for both to be a part of her life, but she says she would decline child support so we both have the means to take care of her when she's in our... View More

Kevin R. Richardson
Kevin R. Richardson
answered on Feb 6, 2020

It can be allowed, but it depends greatly on both of your incomes and how a few other things are accounted for in your divorce. Long story short is the child support must be calculated by the court. However, there can be ways to get it to a zero net transfer if the facts of the case allow for it.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Washington on
Q: does the State of Washington allow for Post high school child support/college support? Child is 19, lives with me.

Going through divorce. spouse moved out. child is 19 and id like help with college money from soon to be ex spouse. how do i go about this?

Kevin R. Richardson
Kevin R. Richardson
answered on Feb 6, 2020

Yes, but it depends on if the court still has jurisdiction over the child. More facts are needed and you should speak with an attorney. But the long story short is that if your current divorce was started before your child turned 18 or other emancipated, then the court likely has jurisdictions to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Tax Law and Child Support for Washington on
Q: I need some advice in regards to the IRS form 8332 and the verbiage.

On my husbands child support documents it states that in order for him to be able to claim his daughter (with his ex-wife) on his taxes “as long as he is current on his child support obligation. Current shall be defined as making all the monthly current support payments and making all the monthly... View More

Linda Simmons Campbell
Linda Simmons Campbell
answered on Jan 27, 2020

Without seeing the document I tend to agree with your interpretation, however, there may be something else within the document that could change my answer. That being said, your husband should call the attorney that handled his divorce to double check. If they are unavailable, he should call the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Child Support and Social Security for Washington on
Q: I’m ilegal in United state I’m have 18 years old my dad kick me out because he don’t want to have expenses with me

I’m come when I’m have 14 years old my mom is in my country she leave me alone because she married with other man and not one can’t take care of me I’m came here my dad change a lot he married with other woman she don’t like me he put me work when I’m have 15 because he don’t want to... View More

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Oct 7, 2019

Honey I'm so sorry you're going through this. You should go to Catholic Social Services, if you can find one. If your dad has papers you may be able to get your green card through being a trafficking victim. You might be able to find help here:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Divorce for Washington on
Q: My wife has a daughter that isn't mine that I have raised for the past 15 years. Will I have to pay child support?

I never legally adopted her.

Marc Andrew Moses
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Marc Andrew Moses
answered on Apr 12, 2019

The short answer is no, but it depends on a few other factors.

Children from other relationships are not considered for child support. The "depends" part is if the mother believes you are the father, which can be overcome with a DNA test, which would then result in you not paying...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Child Support for Washington on
Q: Nephew is 18 & in HS, been living w/me for 6 mos. His Dad won't give up being the custodial. How do I become custodial?

Yes he is 18 but he is still in high school & his dad claims he is the custodial until my nephew graduates.

Vincent J. Bernabei
Vincent J. Bernabei
answered on Apr 11, 2019

You don't. Your nephew is an adult.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Washington on
Q: My Bfs ex wife filed for a review of child support for their 14 yr old son. We are expecting a child in 10 weeks.

She has remarried and together they make 100k a year. He has faithfully paid. Shes harassing us and this is now an issue because she foumd out about the new baby. We have documents and text from her that confirms this. What do you think will end up happening? Will it be increased with another child... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jan 24, 2019

If she's filing for a modification of child custody and support, the dad can file responsive pleadings which would address his perspectives and financial status. The court makes a decision based on the facts and law, including the financial ability of both parties to financially support the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Washington on
Q: Mom makes more money than dad, she does not want to disclose financials. Can they negotiate legal child support

Mother is custodian, father wants visitation. Working on legal parenting plan. A lot of friction

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jan 24, 2019

As part of a child custody process in court, both parties need to disclose their financial information in court filings. See: https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.contribute&formID=13. You might be able to negotiate a resolution to expedite the court proceedings as well. More details are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Divorce for Washington on
Q: What documents will i need to take to the court house to start the divorce process

Hello, I am trying to file for a divorce in Washington state, I am trying to do this on my own, i was wondering what documents I would need. I have the summons, Petition for Divorce and Agreement to Join Petition (Joinder) documents that my ex signed already. I am trying to expiate the beginning... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jan 10, 2019

Have you researched the process at your local law library and online via the WA state court's website? Those are great places to start when representing yourself in a divorce and seeking forms and guidance. Have you considered limited scope representation as a more affordable way to hire a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: How do I get power of attorney back after signing it to my mom
Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jan 10, 2019

Have a lawyer review the Power of Attorney document you signed to determine how to properly rescind that POA. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such as myself. You can read more about me, my... View More

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