Law Office of Donna Person Smith
Call for a Consultation

253-212-3924
Tacoma Office

253-840-0288
Puyallup Office

  • Family Law Attorney
    • Divorce
    • Child Support
    • Custody
    • Parental Modifications
    • Family Law FAQ
  • Criminal Defense Attorney
    • DUI
    • Criminal Defense FAQ
  • Wills and Estate
    • Estate Planning Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • About
  • News
  • Contact
Donna Person Smith, Attorney
phone_squareClick To Call

Child Support

Home Family Law Attorney Child Support

Request Discreet Consult

Please complete the confidential form below and we will contact you shortly

Family Law Practice Areas

  • Alimony
  • Court Orders
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Divorce
  • Domestic Violence
  • Fathers Rights
  • Grandparents Rights
  • Modifications
  • Prenuptial Agreement
  • Property Settlements
  • Restraining Order
  • Visitation Rights

Family Law FAQ

  • Do I Need a Lawyer?
  • How do I change my parenting plan?

Child Support Attorney

Child support arises not only in divorce cases, but also in other family law cases such as parenting plan modifications, paternity, non-parental custody, and relocation. The courts are required to ensure that an appropriate child support arrangement is reached in all family law cases that involve children.

We have represented hundreds of clients with varying child support needs and we have experience in:

  • Establishing child support,
  • Modifying child support, and
  • Enforcing child support obligations.

Calculating Child Support

Child support payments are calculated based on a statutory formula. To estimate child support obligations in your case you can visit the Washington State Child Support Calculator provided by Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

In Washington, child support is calculated primarily by determining the net income of both parents.

What are “extraordinary expenses”?

In addition to basic child support obligations, parents will also have to share the burden of additional expenses, often referred to as “extraordinary expenses.” Extraordinary expenses do not fall under the category of child support. These expenses can include:

  • Education,
  • Sports and other extracurricular activities,
  • Work-related childcare,
  • Travel, and more.

Like child support, the payment of extraordinary expenses is also based on the parents’ net incomes. Once net incomes are determined, each parent’s proportional share of the combined net income is determined. The resulting percentage is used to allocate responsibility for extraordinary expenses.

Example of Determining Obligation for Extraordinary Expenses

If Jane’s net income is $5,000 a month, and Jeff’s net income is $5,000 a month, the combined net income of both parties is $10,000. Jane’s share of the combined net income is 50% ($5000 / $10,000), and Jeff’s share is 50% ($5,000 / $10,000). Thus, each will pay 50% of extraordinary expenses.

Enforcing Child Support

When the parent charged with paying child support fails to make these payments or make them on time, a private party or the state can file enforcement actions on a child support order. We have handled many enforcement actions, including contempt, and we have experience with back support judgments – both for parties pursuing those judgments and for parties defending against them.

Request A Review of Your Case

Puyallup Office

3708 14th St Place SW Puyallup, WA 98373
Tel:253-840-0288


Tacoma Office

14718 Union Ave SW
Lakewood, WA 98498
Tel:253-840-0288

 

Facebook
Google+
LinkedIn
Yelp
Avvo

COVID-19 UPDATE:
Additional Information for you.

Click here to learn more
COVID-19 UPDATE

PLEASE NOTE: The State and Local courts in Pierce and King Counties have implemented changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such Court will not be held until late April or May, except for emergency hearings with a few exceptions. The court in Pierce County is also allowing for family law motions by scheduled and decided based on written motion only (no oral argument) so we are able to address family law matters without having to personally appear. If you have an emergency family law matter or domestic violence situation, those matters will still be heard in all courts and you will not have to wait to have your matter before the court for relief.

While our office will still be working diligently on your cases, for the health and safety of our community, appointments will be telephonic or via Skype if possible. To schedule an appointment please call the office at 253-840-0288.

© 2020 Donna Person Smith - Privacy Statement