Simple Child Support Calculator
For a simple and easy calculation of child support in Washington, we suggest using the Division of Child Support Quick Estimator.
The Division of Child Support Quick Estimator is quite simple and easy to use. The estimator should be up to date for 2024, although leaves out some of the details that may be needed for an accurate assessment.
In the state of Washington, the result of an online calculation should normally be interpreted carefully. You should treat the estimate as no more than a preliminary indication of the child support amount you could receive or be required to pay.
Washington Parenting Time Calculator
While Washington child support guidelines focus on which parent is the "custodial parent", parenting time shares have the potential to affect child support. Actual parenting time percentages could influence the order a judge makes or how much parents agree to.
Use this overnights calculator to work out your parenting time percentage. Most states measure parenting time based on overnight stays.
Calculate annual overnight stays
Regular nights
Vacation nights each year*
183 overnight stays per year.
50.0% of parenting time.
* Vacation nights are all nights when the regular schedule does not apply.
How Child Support is Calculated in Washington
Child support payments in Washington are calculated using the income shares only method. Payments depend on the combined income of the parents as well as the number of children eligible for support. A bigger combined income or extra children typically means higher payments.
The amounts transferred also depend on each parent’s income share or income percentage. Washingtonians paying the most support are non-custodial parents with high incomes. The biggest receivers are low-income parents with primary physical custody and a high-earning payer.
We refer to the method as "income shares only" since Washington lacks a well-defined way of adjusting payments for the exact amount of parenting time each parent contributes. A parent’s share of care time is not a detailed part of the guidelines, as is usually the case with income sharing models.
The final payment amount is adjusted to account for factors such as health care costs, day care expenses, spousal maintenance, education costs, any other children in the home, and any other child support obligations.
Washington State does have a projected child custody calculator where parents can get a general idea of what their child support payments would be. When making these calculations, it is important to realistically examine current financials to prepare for this increased expense that sometimes can present a major challenge to recently single parents.
Envision Family Law
Washingtonian child support guidelines apply to the whole state, including the cities of Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue and Kent. Variations in support payments may be made by the agreement of parents or at the discretion of a judge presiding over your case.
Payment Calculators by State